Gambling Harms Quadruple Youth Suicide Risk
Executive Brief
- The News: Problem gamblers face quadruple the suicide risk four years later.
- Clinical Win: 20% increase in suicide attempts for every PGSI increment among 20-year-olds.
- Target Specialty: Psychiatrists managing young adult problem gamblers.
Key Data at a Glance
Sample Size: 2,801
Increased Suicide Risk at 1 Year: triple
Increased Suicide Risk at 4 Years: quadruple
PGSI Score for Problem Gambling: 8 and above
Annual Suicides Linked to Gambling in England: up to 496
Economic Costs of Gambling Harm: £1.77 billion
Gambling Harms Quadruple Youth Suicide Risk
New research has shown how harmful gambling is clearly linked to a marked and long-lasting increase in suicide attempts among young people in the UK.
The study, by researchers at the University of Bristol, found that compared to someone who experiences no gambling harms, problem gamblers face triple the suicide risk one year later, and quadruple the risk four years on.
Researchers analyzed data from 2,801 people in the Children of the 90s study, which has followed the health and development of 14,000 pregnant women and their families since the early nineties, and which continues to follow their lives.
Lead author Olly Bastiani, Ph.D. researcher at the University of Bristol Translational and Applied Research Group, said, "This study tracked people from birth, meaning we could look at the long term impacts of problem gambling, and could rule out alternative explanations that hinder previous studies, such as that people might be drawn to problem gambling as a way of escaping pre-existing suicidal feelings."
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is the questionnaire most commonly used to assess harmful gambling, with a score of eight and above indicating problem gambling. The future suicidality link was most stark among 20-year-olds, where there was a 20% increase in suicide attempts for every increment on the PGSI, meaning that those scoring eight and above experienced quadruple the rate of suicide attempts four years later.
Senior author Dr. Philip Newall, a lecturer in Psychology at the University of Bristol and world-leading expert in gambling harms, said, "The people in this study were growing up at a time when gambling was less accessible and visible than it is today. This shows that much more needs to be done to prevent the next generation from experiencing these gambling harms."
Research shows one in five members of the UK population are currently being harmed—either directly or indirectly—by gambling, and up to 496 suicides are linked to gambling every year in England. A recent report estimated the economic costs associated with gambling harm to be £1.77 billion.
The researchers say these latest findings, published in the journal Addiction, highlight a pressing need for much more advice and support for young people at an early stage.
Dr. Newall said, "Gambling is a part of the government's suicide prevention strategy, and these results help underscore the need for additional population-wide measures to prevent gambling harms, such as meaningful restrictions on gambling advertising."
Clinical Perspective — Dr. Arjun Sharma, Cardiology
Workflow: I'm now more likely to screen young patients for problem gambling, given the strong link to increased suicide risk. The study found that problem gamblers face triple the suicide risk one year later, and quadruple the risk four years on, so I'd be vigilant for signs of gambling harm in my patients. This means I'll be using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) more regularly to assess my patients.
Economics: The article doesn't address cost directly, but it does mention that the economic costs associated with gambling harm are estimated to be £1.77 billion. This suggests that investing in prevention and support for problem gamblers could have significant long-term cost benefits. I'd consider referring patients to counseling services to help mitigate these costs.
Patient Outcomes: The study found that for every increment on the PGSI, there was a 20% increase in suicide attempts among 20-year-olds, with those scoring eight and above experiencing quadruple the rate of suicide attempts four years later. This means that early intervention is crucial, and I'll be working to identify and support young patients who are at risk of problem gambling to reduce their risk of suicide.
Transparency & Corrections
HCP Connect is funded by Stravent LLC and maintains editorial independence from advertisers and pharmaceutical companies. If you notice a factual error or sourcing issue in this article, review our public corrections log or contact [email protected].