Taking chances: problem gamblers and mental health disorders--results from the St. Louis Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study.

OBJECTIVES

This study determined prevalence estimates of problem gambling and relationships to other psychiatric and substance use disorders.

METHODS

In 1981, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule was used to collect epidemiological information on problem gambling and other disorders from 3004 adults in St. Louis, Mo.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence of pathological gambling was 0.9%; 46% of those surveyed gambled recreationally. Problem gamblers (those reporting at least one gambling-related problem) were 9.2% of the sample and were predominately White (69%), male (78.2%), and young than nongamblers. They were at increased risk for several psychiatric diagnoses, especially for antisocial personality disorder, alcoholism, and tobacco dependence.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians treating alcoholism and tobacco dependence may need to screen for problem gambling. Additional research in the context of increased gambling opportunities is needed.