Gambling and Mood Disorders
Gambling is the act of placing something of value, such as money or possessions, at risk in order to win a prize. It can take many forms, including poker, betting on sports events or games, horse racing, bingo, slot machines and lottery tickets. It is often considered a vice and can cause serious financial harm, leading to debt or homelessness. It can also have a negative impact on relationships and work or study performance. Compulsive gambling may be a symptom of underlying mood disorders, such as depression, and can make them worse.
Gambling has been around for a long time and is a popular activity with many people. Evidence of gambling has been found in ancient cultures, with dice marked with pips dating back to 1300 B.C. Modern gambling takes place in casinos, bookmakers, and on the internet. It is not uncommon for gamblers to spend more than they can afford to lose. Some people can become addicted to gambling and lose control of their spending, their lives and their families. Pathological gambling (PG) is a mental health disorder that affects about 0.4-1.6% of the US population and has a high comorbidity with substance use disorders. PG is characterized by a pattern of maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior that are recurrent and persistent, and causes significant distress and impaired functioning in multiple areas of life.
Some people are more vulnerable to developing a gambling problem than others, but there are ways to reduce your chances of becoming a gambler. The first step is to know your limits and stick to them. You should only gamble with disposable income and never with money that you need to pay bills or rent. It is also a good idea to get some practice by playing with friends before you gamble for real money.
Other things you can do to stop gambling include finding healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as boredom, stress or loneliness. You can try exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. It is also important to address any underlying mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, because these can trigger or be made worse by gambling.
It’s also a good idea to talk about your gambling with someone who won’t judge you, such as a friend or family member. Another option is to seek help from a counsellor or support group. Secondary prevention strategies should involve raising awareness amongst healthcare professionals of the risks of gambling and breaking down barriers to seeking treatment. Tertiary prevention involves establishing specialised psychological and other gambling treatment services.