Systematic review of electronic cigarette use (vaping) and mental health comorbidity among adolescents and young adults

Youth EC(e-cigarrette) use is associated with greater mental health problems (compared with nonuse) across several domains, particularly among adolescents. Because many existing studies are cross-sectional, directionality remains uncertain. Well-designed longitudinal studies to investigate long-term mental health sequelae of EC use remain needed.

Implications: Forty recent studies demonstrate a variety of mental health comorbidities with AYA EC use, particularly among adolescents. Mental health comorbidities of EC use generally parallel those of combustible cigarette use, with a few exceptions. Future EC prevention and treatment strategies may be enhanced by addressing mental health.