Gambling and Suicide

Gambling and Suicide

ScienceDaily (Nov. 24, 2010) — 

Pathological gamblers are risking more than their money, they are also three times more likely to commit suicide than non-betters. A new Montreal inter-university study has shown these gamblers are also plagued by personality disorders. These findings, published in a recent issue of the Psychology of Addictive Behaviours, may have implications for developing improved targeted suicide prevention programs.

"The World Health Organization estimates that suicide is one of the top ten causes of death in the Western world," says study co-author, Richard Boyer a Université de Montréal professor and researcher at the Centre de recherché Fernand-Seguin at the Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital. "In addition, pathological gamblers account for five percent of all suicides. These staggering statistics motivated us to study the difference between gamblers and non-gamblers."

Gamblers have more personality disorders.

The study examined 122 suicides between 2006 and 2009, of which 49 were

pathological gamblers. Data from the coroner's files were compiled and

psychological autopsy interviews with families and friends of the deceased

were completed.

"Our findings showed that those gamblers who commit suicide had twice as

many specific personality disorders as other suicide victims," says co-author

Alain Lesage, also from the Université de Montréal.

"These personality disorders seem to significantly increase the risk of

suicide for compulsive gamblers," says Boyer. "Three lethal elements

are generally recognized: depression, alcohol or drug consumption and a

personality disorder. These psychiatric disorders can in-turn interact with

each other. For example, the depression can lead to the alcohol or drug

consumption, which in turn leads to greater financial problems, which

amplifies the depression."

Gamblers don't consult health professionals

The study also showed that gamblers who committed suicide were three

times less likely to have consulted a health service in the year preceding

their death. "Gamblers don't consult professionals because they believe the problem will

solve itself," says Boyer. "They believe their financial or alcohol or drug

problems are the result of gambling and therefore they seek a solution in

gambling rather than get help."

Twelve percent of gamblers admitted to a friend or family member having

spent over $5,000 in a given day. And 70 percent had borrowed the money

to play. "Parents and health professionals should be more vigilant in looking for

signs of suicide among pathological gamblers," says Boyer. "The sooner this

disorder is diagnosed the sooner therapy can begin and the better chances

for success."

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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