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Published on: November 9, 2019
[Pathological gambling and its consequences for public health]
Maria Paula Magalhães Tavares de Oliveira1, Dartiu Xavier da Silveira, Maria Teresa Araujo Silva
1Departamento de Psicologia Experimental, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua da Consolação 3741, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. mpm_fto@uol.com.br
Revista De Saude Publica
|May 8, 2008
Summary
Pathological gambling leads to severe consequences, including high suicide rates and psychiatric comorbidities. Increased gambling legalization correlates with higher prevalence, necessitating tailored public policies in Brazil.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Public health
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Pathological gambling is a growing public health concern with significant social and economic ramifications.
- Legalization of gambling has been linked to increased prevalence of gambling disorder.
- Understanding the multifaceted consequences of pathological gambling is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose:
- To characterize pathological gambling and delineate its primary consequences.
- To review national and international literature on gambling disorder prevalence, costs, and public health impact.
- To inform the development of context-specific public policies in Brazil.
Summary:
- Bibliographic survey identified key consequences: high suicide rates, psychiatric comorbidities, family/work issues, and illicit behaviors.
- Prevalence of pathological gambling is higher in countries with legalized gambling.
- Evidence suggests a rise in pathological gambling in Brazil, highlighting the need for national research.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the severe public health burden associated with pathological gambling.
- Highlights the correlation between gambling legalization and increased disorder prevalence.
- Emphasizes the critical need for national research to guide Brazilian public policy on gambling addiction.
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