Understand the impact of problem gambling in Singapore and explore resources available for support and prevention. Learn how to recognize signs and promote responsible gaming practices.
Mental Health Factors in Problem Gambling in Singapore
Most people can gamble responsibly as entertainment. But for some, gambling in Singapore progresses into an unhealthy compulsion that wreaks havoc on their lives.
Though not a mental illness itself, problem gambling often co-occurs with and is exacerbated by certain psychiatric disorders.
Understanding the mental health conditions associated with compulsive gambling is key to getting treatment.
Depression
Numerous studies reveal strong links between problem gambling and clinical depression. It is estimated that over 30% of compulsive gamblers suffer from major depressive disorder.
Several factors may underlie this relationship:
- Depressed individuals may gamble excessively in an attempt to self-medicate and escape their moods. The euphoria of winning temporarily counteracts depression.
- Pre-existing depressive disorders likely predispose people to addictive behaviors like problem gambling. Shared genetic risks and brain changes may be behind both conditions.
- The financial devastation, relationship loss, and crises caused by compulsive gambling can trigger severe depressive episodes.
Seeking treatment for any underlying depression is crucial when addressing problem gambling. Anti-depressant medications combined with therapy to develop healthy coping skills provides a dual approach.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder also shows links to compulsive gambling. About 20% of individuals with bipolar I exhibit problem gambling tendencies.
Some potential contributing factors include:
- The manic highs of bipolar disorder can lead to reckless, impulsive behaviors like excessive gambling and betting. Judgement is impaired.
- Those in a manic state may gamble as a way to sustain the rush of euphoria mania provides. Gambling fuels further manic feelings.
- Conversely, depressive phases may also trigger higher gambling as an attempt at mood regulation. This creates a cycle of highs and lows.
- Medications to treat bipolar like lithium seem less effective at controlling problem gambling tendencies than other psychiatric conditions.
Again, a combined approach addressing the bipolar disorder and unsafe gambling is warranted. Mood stabilizing medications and therapy to build self-awareness can aid recovery.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety issues like generalized anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD and phobias also frequently co-occur with problem gambling. One study found over 45% of compulsive gamblers seeking treatment met criteria for an anxiety disorder.
Some possible shared roots include:
- A hyper-focus on potential threats drives anxiety disorders. Gambling offers an immersive escape from anxious rumination.
- Impulsiveness and risk-taking associated with some anxiety disorders may increase compulsive gambling behaviors.
- Anxiety creates agitation and unease. The adrenaline rush of gambling offers a countervailing “high” to mask anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral approaches combined with anxiety medication and new coping skills can treat the conditions concurrently.
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also shows association with problem gambling, particularly among youth. Impulsiveness and poor planning related to ADHD may increase risky behaviors like uncontrolled gambling.
Managing ADHD symptoms with behavioral therapies and psychostimulant medication provides important support when curbing gambling problems.
Personality Disorders
Certain personality disorders demonstrate links to problem gambling as well, such as borderline, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorder. Shared features like impulsiveness and emotion dysregulation may underlie the overlapping risks.
For personality issues, long-term psychotherapy is typically the main treatment focus, while also seeking to build self-control over gambling.
Conclusion
While problem gambling itself is defined as an addictive disorder, not a mental illness per se, it clearly correlates to numerous psychiatric conditions.
Treating any co-occurring mood, anxiety, attention or personality disorders as part of the recovery process is often essential for overcoming the unhealthy draw of compulsive gambling.
With help, both the mental health condition and gambling addiction can be managed successfully.
Gambling Problem Help
While gambling is meant to be enjoyable, it can become a serious issue for some individuals. If you’re experiencing difficulties related to gambling, seek help from:
- National Council on Problem Gambling or call 1800-6-668-668
- All Addiction 6-RECOVER: 6-7326837 or visit the National Addictions Management Service
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