Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test
Complete the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), a validated 6-item questionnaire. Scores: 0-2 low, 3-4 low-moderate, 5 moderate, 6-7 high, 8-10 very high dependence. Guides NRT dosing and cessation strategy.
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Complete the validated 6-item FTND. Scores predict quit difficulty and guide NRT and medication selection.
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Why: Complete the validated 6-item FTND.
How: Scores predict quit difficulty and guide NRT and medication selection.
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For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before acting on results.
The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is a validated 6-item questionnaire. Scores: 0-2 low, 3-4 low-moderate, 5 moderate, 6-7 high, 8-10 very high dependence. It guides NRT dosing and cessation strategy. Q1 (time to first cigarette) and Q4 (cigarettes per day) are the most predictive questions.
Sources: Fagerström K-O (Addiction), WHO, Clinical guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- • Q1 (time to first cigarette) is the most predictive question
- • Scores 5+ strongly benefit from NRT
- • Scores 7+ need combination therapy (NRT + Rx)
- • FTND guides medication selection and dosing
Did You Know?
How Does the Fagerström Test Work?
Q1 & Q4 (0-3 points each)
Time to first cigarette and cigarettes per day. These weighted questions predict quit difficulty
Q2, Q3, Q5, Q6 (0-1 point each)
Difficulty refraining, morning preference, heavy morning smoking, smoking when ill.
Total Score
Sum of all 6 questions = 0 to 10. Higher = more severe dependence, more intensive treatment needed.
Expert Tips
Score Interpretation Table
| Score | Level | NRT Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Low | Optional |
| 3-4 | Low-Moderate | Consider 14-21mg patch |
| 5-6 | Moderate | 21mg patch or combo |
| 7-10 | High | Combo NRT + Rx |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fagerström Test?
The FTND is a validated 6-question instrument that assesses nicotine dependence intensity. It predicts quit difficulty and guides NRT and medication selection. Used clinically for 40+ years.
What do Fagerström scores mean?
0-2: Low dependence. 3-4: Low-moderate. 5-6: Moderate. 7-10: High dependence. Higher scores indicate more severe withdrawal and need for intensive treatment.
Which questions matter most?
Q1 (time to first cigarette) and Q4 (cigarettes per day) are scored 0-3 and are the most predictive of dependence severity.
Should I use NRT based on my score?
Scores 5+ strongly benefit from NRT. Scores 7+ often need combination therapy (NRT + prescription medication) for best quit success.
Is the Fagerström test validated?
Yes. Used clinically for 40+ years with 1000+ validation studies. High reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.68). Validated in 50+ countries.
When should I take the Fagerström test?
Before setting a quit date to choose the right strategy, or in clinical settings for treatment selection and medication dosing.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: The Fagerström Test is a validated screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Your score provides guidance for treatment selection but should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized quit planning. If you experience severe withdrawal or mental health concerns when quitting, consult a doctor.
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