New Developments in Helping People Quit Smoking

Why is it so hard to quit cigarette smoking?
Cigarette smokers who try quitting report several problems including nervousness, restlessness, problems with concentrating and a nasty mood. the nasty mood and nervousness during quitting often makes it difficult to kick the habit.

New Brain Imaging Research to Understand Why it is Hard to Quit
Our research group, led by Dr. Jeff Meyer, an international expert in brain imaging clinical depression, is studying a protein called MAO-A. Too much MAO-A leads to sad mood and sometimes to clinical depression. Dr. Meyer thinks that there can be too much MAO-A when people quit cigarette smoking.

In order to measure levels of MAO-A we use a brain imaging technique called PET (Positron Emission Tomography). This technique helps us measure the concentration of this protein in the brain. Our findings may explain the difficulties that those who want to quit smoking experience during withdrawal period and could pave the way to new help for those who have troubles in their battle with cigarette addiction.

If you are a cigarette smoker and you want to make a contribution to the area of quit smoking research, please click here.