Mental health conditions related to gambling addiction and problem gambling

Problem gambling can be a sign of other underlying mental health conditions. These include:

• Depression 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) 
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Gambling disorder, also known as gambling addiction, is an impulse control disorder related to problem gambling. 

If you think you might be living with any of these conditions, it’s important to seek help. The first step is to speak to your GP, who can give you treatment or help you get in touch with your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). 

Problem gambling can likewise negatively affect your mental well-being. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute found that more than one in three people they surveyed become stressed or anxious due to gambling. Research from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey also found that problem gamblers are almost eight times more likely to attempt suicide, with suicidal thoughts being directly attributed to problems with online gambling.