Treatment of Tobacco Use Disorder and Mood Disorders in Adolescents

Purpose of Review: To update the literature on treatment of tobacco use in the context of comorbid mood disorders among adolescents, focusing on the last 5 years (2013–2017). We review tobacco use prevalence, the association between adolescent tobacco use and mood disorders, and interventions for adolescent tobacco users and those with concurrent mood disorders. Recent Findings: Advances were made in behavioral treatments for adolescent tobacco users, but minimal research focused on innovative approaches such as social media, family-based approaches or alternative therapies. There is a dearth of research on adolescents with comorbid mood disorders. Few studies targeted diverse populations. Minimal research was conducted within this patient cohort using nicotine/tobacco products other than cigarette smoking. Research has not been done to clarify the role of depression/mood severity on treatment outcomes. Summary: Current gaps in the tobacco treatment science for adolescents with mood disorders are highlighted and directions for future research offered.