Comorbidity in Youth Gamblers

Professor Bacon-Shone, John   (Principal Investigator (PI))

Dr Leung Kwok Heung Grace Mary   (Co-Investigator)

12

2011-03-01

70000

Comorbidity in Youth Gamblers

cross-cultural, gambling, public health, youth

Psychology

201007176193

Small Project Funding

2010

Completed

The unprecedented expansion of legalized gambling (casino, football and internet) in Macao, Hong Kong and everywhere else has become one of the challenges, a successful dealing of which may be beneficial from the public health perspectives. It helps to improve the quality of life of the individual, family and community. Until recently gambling was not viewed as a public health matter. (Wynne, 1996; Productivity Commission, 1999; Korn,2000). The value of a public health perspective is that it applies different lenses for understanding gambling behavior, analyzing its benefits and costs as well as identifying multilevel strategies for action and points of intervention. It emphasizes primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, taking into account of the wider health, social, economic costs, harm prevention, exploring the needs of the vulnerable and the disadvantaged. Gambling may not be harmful if it is a voluntary, pleasurable activity with an informed choice. It includes (a) an awareness of the probability of winning and losing, and (b) sensible wagering without getting into debts. This sort of gambling may sustain or enhance the gambler’s state of well-being. On the other hand, gambling becomes unhealthy when it fits the criteria of various levels of gambling problems (transitional/ problem gambling and compulsive/pathological gambling1). Problem gambling affects detrimentally social, familial, occupational, psychological aspects of living. Gambling addiction is defined in DSM IV as a) repetitive or compulsive engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences; b)diminished control over the problematic behavior; c) experiencing an urge or craving state before the engagement of the problematic behavior; d) repeated unsuccessful attempts to give up; e) there is withdrawal symptom if one is being prevented from the activity; f) Impairment in major areas of life functioning; g) there is hedonic quality during performance and tolerance level is increased. Problem Gamblers suffer from higher rates of lifetime anxiety (16-40% ) disorders and Personality disorders (Borderline 3%; Narcissistic personality disorder 5% Anti-social personality disorders 17%; Any Personality Disorders 25%) Often Problem gambler treatment needs to address these related health concerns as they may be a cause for relapse or impede treatment progress. This study aims i) to explore comorbidity issues among the adolescent gamblers/problem gamblers across countries (viz., Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, and the UK) and to make some suggestions/guidelines for prevention of gambling related problems in individuals and groups at risk of gambling addiction ii) to incorporate a mental health promotion approach to the prevention of problem gambling; one that builds community capacity, incorporates a holistic view of mental health (including its emotional and spiritual dimensions) and addresses the needs and aspirations of gamblers, individuals at risk of gambling problems and those affected by them. iii) to promote informed and balanced attitudes, behaviors and policies towards gambling and gamblers both by individuals and by communities to protect vulnerable groups from gambling-related harm.