Gambling disorder in a university hospital setting: a retrospective analysis of patient characteristics

Gambling Disorder (GD), classified within the behavioral addiction spectrum, has gained increasing clinical attention; however, studies examining its psychiatric comorbidities and sociodemographic correlates in Türkiye remain limited.

This study aimed to investigate the psychiatric comorbidities, substance use patterns, and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with GD. This retrospective cross-sectional chart review was conducted at the Addiction Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Türkiye. Ninety-five patients aged 18-65 years who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for GD were included, while those whose gambling behavior was influenced by medical or psychiatric episodes (e.g., mania, psychosis) or cognitive impairment were excluded. Sociodemographic data, comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, alcohol and substance use, suicide attempts, and family history of addiction were evaluated using logistic regression and chi-square analyses.

The sample was predominantly male (96.8%) with a mean age of 35 years. Middle school graduates had a 6.9-fold higher risk of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) than university graduates (odds ratio [OR]=6.875, p=0.017). Cannabis use was significantly associated with alcohol consumption at both social drinking and AUD levels (p<0.001). Suicide attempts were nearly three times more likely among patients with depression (OR=2.949, p=0.048).

Patients with GD exhibited high rates of comorbid alcohol and substance use disorders. Lower educational attainment and depression were associated with greater risk, while the cannabis-alcohol association underscored the interconnectedness of addictive behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and prospective studies to guide prevention and individualized treatment strategies.