Impact of Mental Health Conditions on Problem Gambling: A deeper Dive into GambleAware’s 2022 Survey
Based on GambleAware’s 2022 Treatment and Support Survey, innovative research conducted by data analytics company Alma Economics found that mental health conditions might significantly contribute to problem gambling behaviors. This article will explore the nuances of this study and its subsequent findings.
The Interconnection of Mental Health and Gambling
This exploration highlighted the concerning correlations between mental health conditions and gambling behaviors. For instance, a one-unit increase in the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score was found to increase the likelihood of someone experiencing a mental health condition by nearly 3%. Therefore, it can be deduced that higher volumes of problem gambling potentially deteriorate mental health conditions.
Most Commonly Reported Mental Health Conditions Affiliated with Gambling
According to data from the last GambleAware annual survey in 2022, approximately 1.5 million people had a PGSI score of 8 or above, indicative of problem gambling—a 23% surge from the previous year.
Depression surfaced as the most frequently reported mental health ailment, with 7.2 million mentions, followed by anxiety at 5.7 million and post-traumatic stress disorder at around 1.1 million.
The Ripple Effects on ‘Affected Others’
The study also incorporated the impacts experienced by ‘affected others’, individuals influenced by another person’s compulsive gambling behavior, such as spouses or siblings. Among those classified as an ‘affected other,’ nearly 800,000 people also found themselves in the PSGI 1+ category.
The most significant harm reported was an eroded trust in the affected individual. Other impacts included financial instability leading to a lack of household income and the inability to afford larger family costs like vacations.
The Potential Risks of Suicidal Thoughts
Substantial financial hardships experienced due to a loved one’s gambling addiction can further escalate an individual’s risk of suicidal ideation by an estimated 10%.
GambleAware on Navigating Future Challenges
GambleAware suggests customized types of support might be necessary for individuals whose gambling behaviors mimic symptoms of a mental health condition. Zoë Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, emphasized how recognizing this correlation can help tailor more effective treatment strategies.
Osmond further emphasized the need to expand support beyond just the individual battling addiction to those around them affected by their behaviors, strongly advocating for increased awareness amongst practitioners and support groups.
She stated, “Our findings suggest that gambling harms not only affect the individual but also the mental health of those around them.”
In conclusion, understanding how particular demographic groups interact with gambling harms and mental health provides insight into future support efforts. It highlights the need for heightened awareness around this multi-faceted issue.