Swedish studies link adolescent nicotine use to mental health risks

Three studies conducted by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden indicate that nicotine consumption among adolescents is linked to an increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. This correlation applies to both traditional tobacco products and nicotine-containing tobacco-free alternatives, such as e-cigarettes and pouches.

Research highlights that adolescent girls appear particularly vulnerable; nearly 80 percent of female consumers reported clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety. The studies note that nicotine acts as a neurotoxin that can affect brain development and long-term psychological balance.

Data from the World Health Organization shows that 40 percent of adolescents in Europe smoke. In Italy, reports from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità indicate high rates of use among students, with 70 percent of high school students combining at least two different nicotine products.