Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: North American studies show bipolar disorder is associated with elevated rates of problem gambling; however, little is known about rates in the different presentations of bipolar illness. AIMS: To determine the prevalence and distribution of problem gambling in people with bipolar disorder in the UK. METHOD: The Problem Gambling Severity Index was used to measure gambling problems in 635 participants with bipolar disorder. RESULTS: Moderate to severe gambling problems were four times higher in people with bipolar disorder than in the general population, and were associated with type 2 disorder (OR = 1.74, P = 0.036), history of suicidal ideation or attempt (OR = 3.44, P = 0.02) and rapid cycling (OR = 2.63, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 10 patients with bipolar disorder may be at moderate to severe risk of problem gambling, possibly associated with suicidal behaviour and a rapid cycling course. Elevated rates of gambling problems in type 2 disorder highlight the probable significance of modest but unstable mood disturbance in the development and maintenance of such problems.

Original publication

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.114.154286

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Psychiatry

Publication Date

10/2015

Volume

207

Pages

328 - 333

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Affect, Aged, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Major, Female, Gambling, Humans, Logistic Models, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Sex Distribution, Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, Attempted, United Kingdom, Young Adult