However, more data and further analysis are needed to confirm these findings, as other population surveys, such as the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey ( APMS) suggest that smoking prevalence rates are declining for both groups, but the gap is remaining the same. The gap in smoking prevalence between the general population and people with a mental health condition appears to have narrowed in recent years. While a decrease in smoking rates has also been seen among adults with a long-term mental health condition – falling from 35.3% in 2013 to 2014 to 26.8% in 2018 to 2019 – prevalence remains substantially higher, despite the same levels of motivation to quit. Smoking rates are declining in England, with prevalence in adults (aged 18+) having decreased from 17.1% in 2013 to 2014 to 14.5% in 2018 to 2019 (General Practice Patient Survey data). mental health rehabilitation needs - some of which may be co-existing with other conditions such as frailty, cognitive impairment, neurodevelopmental conditions or substance use.Severe mental health condition: also referred to as severe mental illness, it covers a range of needs and diagnoses, including but not limited to: Long-term mental health condition: similar to severe mental health conditions, but often including severe anxiety and depression Poor mental health: linked with other risk factors, such as smoking, physical health conditions, drug use or alcohol misuse, poor mental health refers to thoughts, emotions or behaviours that we often perceive as signs of a possible mental health problem, which can range from common to severe conditions

This edition of Health Matters focuses on smoking among the population of people living with a broad range of mental health conditions, ranging from low mood and common conditions such as depression and anxiety, to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Smoking improving negative moods