The Spectrum of Depressive Disorders and Pathological Gambling

N Martin¹

¹Mood Disorders Society of Canada

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have reported a higher incidence of problem gambling in individuals with mood disorders.  However, many studies that have found that result have used problem gamblers who were currently seeking treatment for problem gambling. This study was designed to further explore whether individuals with mood disorders are more likely to be classified as problem gamblers using a non-treatment seeking sample. If there is an association between mood disorders and problem gambling, treatment interventions can be tailored to meet the needs of mood disordered individuals.  The present research was an exploratory design that sought to:

• Identify the prevalence of problem gambling in individuals with a lifetime history of mood disorders

• Characterize the relations among mood, motivations for gambling and types of gambling in individuals with mood disorders

• Examine the extent to which mood disorders are associated with the presence of problem gambling through assessment of retrospective report in individuals with mood disorders and a history of problem gambling and current gambling involvement

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