Gambling problems in bipolar disorder in the UK: prevalence and distribution

Br J Psychiatry. 2015 Oct;207(4):328-33. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.154286. Epub 2015 Jun 18.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

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