Pathological Gamblers More Likely to Commit Suicide

Pathological Gamblers More Likely to Commit Suicide

It would seem that pathological gamblers are putting only their money and livelihood at risk, but new research suggests that the problem is bigger than it seems. In fact, a recent Science Daily release shows that pathological gamblers are three times more likely to commit suicide than those who abstain from the betting scene.


A new inter-university study has shown these gamblers are also plagued by personality disorders. These findings indicate that there is a need for the development of improved targeted suicide prevention programs.

According to estimates from the World Health Organization, suicide is one of the top ten causes of death in the Western world. Of those who commit suicide every year, 5 percent are pathological gamblers. This statistic demands that researchers examine the difference between gamblers and non-gamblers.

In examining 122 suicides between 2006 and 2009, 49 of these were pathological gamblers. Data from coroner files were compiled while psychological autopsy interviews were completed with families and friends of the deceased.

Study findings indicate that those gamblers who commit suicide demonstrated twice as many specific personality disorders than suicide victims without a gambling addiction. Researchers suggest that personality disorders significantly increase the risk of suicide for compulsive gamblers.

They have identified three elements that generally exist for all pathological gamblers, which include depression, alcohol or drug consumption and a personality disorder. Psychiatric disorders can then in-tern interact with each other.

One example is an individual with depression may increase alcohol or drug consumption, which can lead to greater financial strain, which can then amplify the depression. This cycle is a dangerous one and increases the risk for the gambler.