Swansea University Study Identifies Gambling Disorder as a Major Factor in Suicide Risk

A groundbreaking investigation conducted by Swansea University has shed light on a concerning link between gambling disorder and a markedly increased risk of suicide. The study, published in BJPsych Open and drawing on more than three decades of NHS records, underscores the critical need for earlier intervention for those suffering from gambling-related issues.

This research stands out as the first of its kind to utilize NHS data for such an extensive period. Researchers analyzed medical records spanning from 1993 to 2023, comparing 92 individuals who died by suicide and had a gambling disorder with 2,990 individuals who died from other causes. The results revealed that those impacted by gambling harm had significantly more interactions with healthcare providers, including hospital admissions, during the months leading up to their deaths.

Professor Simon Daymond, who heads the Gambling Research, Education and Treatment Center at Swansea University, highlighted the significance of these findings. “Almost half of adults worldwide report gambling activity in the past year, and gambling-related harm is a growing global health concern. Yet, until now, no study has examined the association between gambling diagnoses and mental health service use in the months preceding death by suicide,” he explained.

One of the most striking aspects of the study was that gambling disorder emerged as a stronger predictor of suicide than several well-established mental health conditions. Professor Daymond pointed out, “A gambling diagnosis was a stronger predictor of suicide than other mental health conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, or alcohol use – indicating gambling disorder poses a unique risk.” He also emphasized that help-seeking behavior for gambling issues remains alarmingly low, which means the patterns observed in the study are likely an underestimation of the true extent of gambling-related harm and its connection to suicide.

Read also: NetBet Penalized £650,000 for AML and SR Violations

This research not only highlights the urgent need for better screening and intervention strategies but also calls attention to the importance of recognizing gambling disorder as a significant mental health risk factor. With many individuals not seeking help, the true scale of the problem remains underestimated, making it all the more vital for healthcare systems to adapt and respond proactively.