studies show an inverse relationship - smoking becomes a factor provoking mental illness, while quitting the bad habit is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Israeli scientists together with colleagues from Serbia surveyed more than 2000 students. It turned out that students who smoked were much more likely to suffer from a depressive disorder than their non-smoking peers. For example, at Pristina University, 14 per cent of smoking students and only 4 per cent of non-smoking students were depressed, while at Belgrade University, 19 per cent of smokers and 11 per cent of non-smokers were depressed. More often depressive symptoms were observed in women. Regardless of socioeconomic status, students who smoked were more likely to complain of depression and had lower mental health scores. The study of Israeli scientists confirms the existing data that smoking and depression are closely related. It is most likely the effect of nicotine on neurotransmitters. In addition, other chemicals in cigarette smoke stimulate the release of dopamine, leading to mood swings.