Mental Health Gains Tied to Cessation, Not E-Cigarette Switching

The psychological benefits of smoking cessation are well-documented, with meta-analyses indicating that quitting is associated with significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress [1]. Clinical evidence suggests that patients who successfully achieve long-term abstinence experience more substantial symptom relief compared to those who struggle with relapse [2]. While electronic cigarettes have emerged as a common cessation aid, and some randomized trials suggest they may be more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy for stopping combustible tobacco use [3], their long-term impact on mental health remains a subject of active investigation [4]. A large-scale observational study now clarifies how psychological trajectories differ between patients who achieve total nicotine abstinence and those who transition to electronic nicotine delivery systems.