Suicidality among individuals with gambling problems

The project is part of a PhD programme and consists of three studies that examine the topic using different methodological approaches.

Study 1 involved a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, synthesizing findings from 107 previously published studies to assess the strength of the association between gambling problems and suicidality, including suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide. The results showed that approximately one in three individuals with gambling problems have experienced suicidal ideation, and 13.5% reported at least one suicide attempt. Individuals with gambling problems were found to have significantly higher odds of experiencing suicidal ideation, attempting suicide, and dying by suicide compared to individuals without gambling problems or the general population. Study 1 has been published in the prestigious journal Psychological Bulletin.

Study 2 linked registry data from the Norwegian Patient Registry and the Cause of Death Registry to examine suicide risk among individuals diagnosed with gambling disorder between 2008 and 2021. Suicide risk was compared with that of the general population as well as with several other disorders, primarily mental disorders. Individuals with a gambling disorder diagnosis were found to have a fivefold higher risk of death by suicide compared to the general population. Their suicide risk was higher than that of several patient groups and comparable to individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Suicide risk was lower among individuals with gambling disorder than among those with psychotic disorders, affective disorders (including bipolar disorder), and substance use disorders. Study 2 has been published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.

Study 3 is a qualitative interview study of individuals who currently have or previously had gambling problems and who have also experienced suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. The study explores how individuals with lived experience understand the relationship between their gambling problems and suicidality. This study is currently ongoing.