Comorbidity and Public Health Burden

Summary

Gambling disorder is frequently comorbid with other mental health conditions, with the total burden of harm being comparable to major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence.

Knowledge Gaps

• Lack of integrated care models that address gambling and mental health simultaneously
• Limited research on the causal directionality between gambling harm and specific mental health disorders

Concerns

Stigmatization of gambling disorder often prevents individuals from seeking integrated mental health support.

Proposed Theories

• The 'Self-Medication Theory' suggests that individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions use gambling as a maladaptive coping mechanism to regulate emotional states.

Sources