Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence
Measures nicotine dependence with six questions about smoking.
When to use
Assessment of nicotine dependence intensity in adults who smoke.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Time to the first cigarette is the heaviest item, worth up to 3 points.
- The score does not measure motivation to quit or withdrawal symptoms.
- High dependence may indicate the need for pharmacotherapy and closer follow-up.
Fill in the fields to see the result.
Formula
Sum the points from six items: time to first cigarette, forbidden places, hardest cigarette, daily amount, morning smoking and smoking while ill.
Evidence
Revised nicotine tolerance questionnaire, with items selected for their relation to biochemical measures of smoking intensity.
References
- Heatherton TF, Kozlowski LT, Frecker RC, Fagerstrom KO. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence: a revision of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. Br J Addict. 1991;86(9):1119-1127. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb01879.x
Frequently asked questions
What is Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence?
Measures nicotine dependence with six questions about smoking. Assessment of nicotine dependence intensity in adults who smoke.
How is the result calculated?
Sum the points from six items: time to first cigarette, forbidden places, hardest cigarette, daily amount, morning smoking and smoking while ill.
How should the result be interpreted?
Revised nicotine tolerance questionnaire, with items selected for their relation to biochemical measures of smoking intensity.
What are the sources?
Heatherton TF, Kozlowski LT, Frecker RC, Fagerstrom KO. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence: a revision of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. Br J Addict. 1991;86(9):1119-1127.