It is likely that nurse practitioners (NPs) will see patients who are chronic smokers and also depressed. Nicotine-dependent smokers are twice as likely to experience major depression compared to nondependent smokers and non-smokers. Biological and cognitive learning models provide an understanding of the relationship between the 2 conditions. Clinicians in primary care settings can select strategies of assessment, treatment, and education to care for patients presenting with these co-occurring conditions.
CE credit is available without charge online at www.npjournal.org or for $10 per credit hour by mail.
In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the author reports no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
1Diane Burgermeister, PhD, APRN, is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health at Madonna University in Livonia, MI, and a psychotherapist in private practice
ABSTRACT