This study identified and profiled people who died by suicide and had gambling noted in the report made by the coroner. The researchers used data from the Irish Probable Suicide Death Study (IPSDS) 2015–2020. A total of 3,625 deaths were included in the IPSDS. Only deaths where gambling was mentioned somewhere within the coronial files were analyzed.
Gambling was mentioned in the coronial files for 23 deaths (0.6% of all deaths across the 6-year period). The researchers identified the following common distal risk factors: (1) history of a mental health condition (e.g., mood disorders); (2) history of substance use; (3) past suicidal intent and/or behaviour; and (4) exposure to suicide. The following proximal risk factors were identified: (1) acute distress or mental health symptoms around the time of death, most commonly depression, anxiety, and agitation; (2) financial issues; (3) interpersonal problems (e.g., relationship difficulties with a spouse); (4) alcohol and drug use/intoxication around the time of death; and (5) other stressful life events, such as work-related stress and/or employment issues.
