Fagerström test
Peer reviewed by Dr John Cox, MRCGPAuthored by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPOriginally published 9 Nov 2017
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
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.
Patient picks for Smoking and vaping
Healthy living
How to resist the toughest cigarette cravings
Nicotine cravings are triggered by a variety of physical and psychological factors. Knowing what these are, when they are likely to occur and how to distract yourself can go a long way towards helping smokers quit for good. We ask a GP for their advice.
by Julian Turner
Healthy living
How to stop smoking
The start of a new year is often a time when people make resolutions and strive to adopt healthier habits. One goal you might have is to give up smoking. But, once you commit to quitting, how can you ensure you stick with it throughout the year?
by Emily Jane Bashforth
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
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.