P02-27 - Pathological Gambling in General Population: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Pathological gambling is characterized in DSM IV-TR as one of the disorders of impulse control. Problem gambling is also part of what is considered behavioural addictions with intrusive thoughts about the game, are spending more and more important to play etc.

Objectives

There is no epidemiological study in France, that's why we make an epidemiological study on the prevalence of pathological gambling.

Methods

We wanted to study the prevalence of pathological gambling in a sample of 529 persons: 368 gamers of Pari Mutuel Urbain and La Française des Jeux, and 161 persons in the general population.

We used as instruments: SOGS for screening of pathological gambling, BIS-10 for impulsiveness's evaluation, HAD scale to assess anxiety and depression and ASRS for the evaluation of attention deficit disorder / hyperactivity disorder.

Results

The results show that the rate of pathological gambling in general population is 1.24% (this result is similar to those found in other countries such as Quebec)

Men are overrepresented in the group of pathological gamblers (88.9%), also with consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Depression and anxiety are particularly high, 40% of JPs with an anxiety score significantly higher.

Conclusions

It would be necessary to establish follow-up studies of populations and patients as well as specific studies on people who frequent casinos, racetracks and Internet gambling. Almost 20% of players have a gambling problem or risk and these people do not consult despite their psychological problems, family, work, debts…