Nicotine dependence, psychological distress and personality traits as possible predictors of smoking cessation. Results from a double-blind study with nicotine patch

AIM: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is an effective treatment for smokers who want to quit, however, the rates of successful quitting can be improved even more. In this context, nicotine dependence (assessed via the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire, FTQ), psychological distress (measured via the Symptom Rating Test, SRT), and personality traits (evaluated via the Adult Eysenck Personality Inventory, AEPI) were evaluated as possible predictors of smoking cessation. RESULTS: A total of 297 cigarette smokers were followed for one year as part of a NRT double-blind, parallel group, randomized trial. Baseline nicotine dependence (weeks 12 and 26: p<0.05), AEPI neuroticism (weeks 12 and 52: p<0.05), and AEPI psychoticism (weeks 12 and 52: p<0.05) scores significantly influenced the outcome of smoking cessation during one-year of follow-up. An increase in psychological distress during follow-up was associated with a lower probability of quitting smoking (p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine dependence, neuroticism, psychoticism and, over time, psychological distress were the main factors influencing the long-term outcome (i.e., up to 12 months) of smoking cessation under NRT.