Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong

Problem gambling is complex and often comorbid with other mental health problems. Unfortunately, gambling studies on comorbid psychiatric disorders among Chinese communities are extremely limited. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders amo...

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Main Authors: Daniel T. L. Shek, Elda M. L. Chan, Ryan H. Y. Wong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2012-01-01
Series:The Scientific World Journal
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/2012/571434
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author Daniel T. L. Shek
Elda M. L. Chan
Ryan H. Y. Wong
author_facet Daniel T. L. Shek
Elda M. L. Chan
Ryan H. Y. Wong
author_sort Daniel T. L. Shek
collection DOAJ
description Problem gambling is complex and often comorbid with other mental health problems. Unfortunately, gambling studies on comorbid psychiatric disorders among Chinese communities are extremely limited. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers; (b) compare the demographic profiles and clinical features of pathological gamblers with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders; (c) explore the associations between pathological gambling and psychiatric disorders and their temporal relationship. Participants (N=201) who sought gambling counseling were examined by making Axis-I diagnoses including mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder. Results showed that 63.7% of participants had lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorder. The most common comorbid psychiatric mental disorders were mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and substance use disorders. Pathological gamblers with psychiatric comorbidities were significantly more severe in psychopathology, psychosocial functioning impairment, and gambling problems than those without the disorders.
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spelling doaj-art-5a4c2d22c52840e7b016121fc48a9a7a2025-02-03T06:07:51ZengWileyThe Scientific World Journal1537-744X2012-01-01201210.1100/2012/571434571434Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong KongDaniel T. L. Shek0Elda M. L. Chan1Ryan H. Y. Wong2Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong KongTung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre, Hong KongTung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre, Hong KongProblem gambling is complex and often comorbid with other mental health problems. Unfortunately, gambling studies on comorbid psychiatric disorders among Chinese communities are extremely limited. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers; (b) compare the demographic profiles and clinical features of pathological gamblers with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders; (c) explore the associations between pathological gambling and psychiatric disorders and their temporal relationship. Participants (N=201) who sought gambling counseling were examined by making Axis-I diagnoses including mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder. Results showed that 63.7% of participants had lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorder. The most common comorbid psychiatric mental disorders were mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and substance use disorders. Pathological gamblers with psychiatric comorbidities were significantly more severe in psychopathology, psychosocial functioning impairment, and gambling problems than those without the disorders.http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/2012/571434
spellingShingle Daniel T. L. Shek
Elda M. L. Chan
Ryan H. Y. Wong
Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong
The Scientific World Journal
title Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong
title_full Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong
title_fullStr Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong
title_full_unstemmed Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong
title_short Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong
title_sort associations between pathological gambling and psychiatric comorbidity among help seeking populations in hong kong
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/2012/571434
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