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Many people with gambling problems have another mental health disorder. Substance use and mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are the most common. Behavioural addictions, such as problematic Internet use and video gaming, have also been observed. In addition, gambling problems have been reported among people receiving dopamine agonist treatment for Parkinson’s disorder.
People with a comorbid disorder have more severe gambling problems and stress. They also respond more poorly to their gambling treatment. An underlying vulnerability may explain why gambling and mental health disorders often co-occur. Impulsivity has been identified as one factor making people more vulnerable to gambling and mental health issues.
Download the two-page Psychological Factors summary (PDF)
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Download the Psychological Factors section from the Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling (PDF)
Download the complete Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling (PDF)
Search the Evidence Centre for Comorbid Disorders