Gambling and suicidal behaviours: A Swiss study in a treatment center in Switzerland

Abstract

Background and aim:

Excessive gambling touch between 1 and 3% of the adult population (Shaffer et al. 1999).

Studies of treatment-seeking gamblers establish a relationship between gambling and suicide. We investigated clinical characteristics in excessive gamblers of a Swiss University Hospital(CHUV).

The aim of this study is to compare gamblers with prior suicide attempts (GPSA) with gamblers without prior suicide attempts (Non-GPSA) and with the international literature.

Hypothesis:

1. - GPSA are confronted with a higher problem load than Non-GPSA.

2. - GPSA lack social networks and family support as compared to Non-GPSA.

Method:

Patients treated for gambling disorders typically show a high level of co-morbidity. Bourget, Data are based on medical files of our treatment center. Among our consecutively admitted patients (2002-2006), we identified pathological gamblers who reported prior suicide attempts directly or not directly linked with gambling.

Results and discussion

1. – GPSA were more likely to be women, separated or divorced, referred by the forensic network.

2. – GPSA were more likely to be disabled and had a history of alcohol abuse. GPSA showed no difference with respect to age at intake or employment status as compared to NON-GPSA.

Discussion:

Further research is needed to find out whether the higher proportion of women with prior suicide attempts is due to the fact that men are more likely to complete suicide.