Association between electronic nicotine product use and subsequent first episode psychosis

Abstract

Tobacco use has been established as a possible risk factor for psychosis, but the effect of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ex. nicotine vapes) has not been independently established. Using the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, we found that use of electronic nicotine products was significantly associated with later first episode psychosis after controlling for substance use and other confounders, and that this relationship was only significant among the heaviest users (>20 puffs/day). Given the rapid rise in electronic nicotine products use, clinicians and public health professionals should consider potential impacts and closely monitor trends in the coming years.

Keywords: Nicotine; Schizophrenia; Vaping.