People diagnosed with a gambling disorder face a significantly higher risk of suicide, according to groundbreaking research conducted by Swansea University in collaboration with King’s College London and Gambling Harm UK. The study, published in BJPsych Open, marks the first UK investigation using NHS data to identify predictors of suicide among individuals with gambling issues.
The research utilized anonymous healthcare records from Wales spanning 30 years (1993-2023) via the SAIL Databank. It compared 92 individuals with a gambling diagnosis who died by suicide to 2,990 who died from other causes. The analysis included GP records, hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and death records.
Key Findings and Implications
One of the study’s pivotal findings is that individuals with a gambling diagnosis who died by suicide had more recent interactions with mental health services, particularly through hospital admissions rather than routine GP or outpatient appointments. This suggests potential missed opportunities for earlier intervention and support.
Dr. Daniel Leightley, a co-author of the study and Lecturer in Digital Health Sciences at King’s College London, emphasized the need for better recognition of gambling harm across the health system.
“Across our health system, gambling harm is still too often recognized only at the point of crisis,” he stated. “This study shows we can spot risk earlier if we ask routinely, record it clearly, and connect people to support without delay.”
Environmental and Occupational Factors
The research also highlights the broader environment’s role in exacerbating gambling-related harm. Factors such as relentless advertising, 24/7 online access, debt, financial strain, and certain occupational roles contribute to the risk. High-stress, shift-based, and safety-critical jobs may carry particular vulnerabilities, necessitating focused attention.
Professor Simon Dymond, the lead author and Director of the Gambling Research, Education and Treatment (GREAT) Centre at Swansea University, noted the global scale of gambling-related harm.
“Almost half of adults worldwide report gambling activity in the past year, and gambling-related harm is a growing global health concern,” he said. “A gambling diagnosis was a stronger predictor of suicide than other mental health conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, or alcohol use.”
Opportunities for Early Intervention
The study suggests that linked healthcare records can help identify suicide risk, creating opportunities for earlier intervention. The researchers hope their findings will aid healthcare professionals and policymakers in developing better systems for identifying and assisting those at risk.
Dr. Leightley’s work on veterans’ health at King’s College London aligns with this study, forming part of a broader program focusing on the health and wellbeing of serving personnel. The next step involves building on the general population focus to examine veterans’ health more deeply.
As the conversation around gambling disorder and its severe consequences continues, this research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the issue. By enhancing screening processes and understanding environmental and occupational risks, stakeholders can design targeted interventions that potentially save lives.
