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Pathological Gambling and Suicidality: An Analysis of Severity and Lethality
Author(s) -
Maccallum Fiona,
Blaszczynski Alex
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1521/suli.33.1.88.22781
Subject(s) - pathological , suicidal ideation , depression (economics) , psychiatry , psychology , suicide prevention , clinical psychology , poison control , injury prevention , suicidal behavior , marital status , human factors and ergonomics , unemployment , occupational safety and health , substance abuse , medicine , medical emergency , environmental health , population , pathology , economics , macroeconomics , economic growth
Pathological gambling represents a major public health issue. Risk factors for suicide such as major depression, substance abuse, marital breakdown, unemployment, financial crises, and legal difficulties are commonly found in populations of pathological gamblers. The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the nature of suicidal behavior among treatment‐seeking pathological gamblers and its relationship to gambling characteristics and depression. Indices of suicidality were assessed in a sample of 85 treatment‐seeking diagnosed pathological gamblers. High rates of suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and attempts were found; however, no clear relationship was observed between suicidality and indices of gambling behavior. Depression rather than gambling specific characteristics, marital difficulties, or the presence of illegal behaviors appear to be related to the risk of suicidality.