Fagerström test
Peer reviewed by Dr John Cox, MRCGPAuthored by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPOriginally published 9 Nov 2017
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The Fagerström test is a questionnaire that can be used to see whether you are addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes.
Nicotine Dependence Test
Score each of the following questions (the scores are given in brackets).
1. How soon after you wake up do you have your first cigarette?
A. Within 5 minutes (3)
B. 6-30 minutes (2)
C. 31-60 minutes (1)
D. After 60 minutes (0)
2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden - eg, in church, the library, the cinema, etc?
A. Yes (1)
B. No (0)
3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up?
A. The first one in the morning (1)
B. All others (0)
4. How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
A. 10 or fewer (0)
B. 11-20 (1)
C. 21-30 (2)
D. 31 or more (3)
5. Do you smoke more often during the first hours after waking than during the rest of the day?
A. Yes (1)
B. No (0)
6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?
A. Yes (1)
B. No (0)
Now add up your score
7 to 10 points = highly dependent on nicotine.
4 to 6 points = moderately dependent on nicotine.
Fewer than 4 points = less dependent.
The higher your score, the more likely you are to have withdrawal symptoms if you give up smoking; also, the withdrawal symptoms are likely to be stronger.
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About the authorView full bio
Authored by
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
General Practitioner, Medical Author
MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH
Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr John Cox, MRCGP
MA, MB, B Chir, DCH, DRCOG, MRCP (UK), MRCGP
Dr John Cox worked as a Medical Registrar in the UK and New Zealand and as a locum Physician in New Zealand.
Article history
Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.
9 Nov 2017 | Originally published
Authored by:
Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPPeer reviewed by
Dr John Cox, MRCGP
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