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Problem gambling and anxiety disorders in the general swedish population - a case control study
Kristina Sundqvist1, Peter Wennberg2,3
1Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. kristina.sundqvist@su.se.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|April 5, 2022
Summary
Problem gambling is linked to specific anxiety disorders like Social Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Vulnerable groups, including young adults and females, show stronger associations, suggesting targeted prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- High rates of psychiatric comorbidity exist among individuals with problem gambling.
- Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with problem gambling, but links to specific disorders require further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between problem gambling and specific anxiety disorders.
- To analyze these associations across subgroups defined by gender, age, and socioeconomic status (SES) within the general Swedish population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was utilized.
- Data were nested within the Swedish longitudinal gambling study cohort.
- Specific anxiety disorders examined included Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Main Results:
- All four studied anxiety disorders were significantly associated with problem gambling, with varying patterns across subgroups.
- Social Phobia demonstrated the most consistent association with problem gambling across all subgroups.
- Strongest associations were observed in individuals under 25, females, and those with middle SES, with some groups showing three disorders linked to problem gambling.
- Participants under 25 exhibited a threefold higher risk of GAD compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Specific anxiety disorders are significantly associated with problem gambling, particularly in younger individuals, females, and those with middle SES.
- Targeted prevention strategies for gambling and anxiety disorders should focus on these identified vulnerable populations.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering specific anxiety disorders when addressing problem gambling and vice versa.
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