Problem Gambling Likely in Bipolar I Disorder

It's long been known that compulsive gambling is a problem for many people with bipolar disorder. But a study published in the September 2007 issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders found that for those with bipolar I disorder, the odds of having a gambling problem were more than twice as high as the general population.

The study looked at 37,000 people aged 15 or over. In addition to the finding that bipolar I disorder made a huge increase in the likelihood of problem gambling, the researchers found other contributing factors that raised the incidence: being male, not having a college education, being unmarried, and abuse of illicit drugs and/or alcohol. They even found that a higher level of physical activity decreased the risk of having a gambling problem.

The researchers recommended that those with bipolar I disorder be screened for gambling issues, particularly when substance or alcohol abuse exists.

Source: McIntyre, RS, McElroy SL, Konarski JZ, Soczynska JK, Wilkins K, Kennedy SH. "Problem gambling in bipolar disorder: results from the Canadian Community Health Survey." Journal of Affective Disorders (Sept 2007): 27-34.