Comorbidity of DSM-IV Pathological Gambling and Other Psychiatric Disorders: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

Data were derived from a large national sample of the United States. Some 43,093 household and group quarters residents age 18 years and older participated in the 2001-2002 survey to present nationally representative data on lifetime prevalence and comorbidity of pathological gambling with other psychiatric disorders and to evaluate sex differences in the strength of the comorbid associations.

Quantitative Data

The prevalence rate of pathological gambling co-occurring disorders include:

Substance use disorders

• 2% had an alcohol use disorder.
• 4% had nicotine dependence.
• 1% had a drug use disorder.

Mental health disorders

• 3% had an anxiety disorder.
• 6% had a mood disorder.
• 8% had a personality disorder.

Qualitative Findings

• “A large majority of the associations between pathological gambling and substance use, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders were overwhelmingly positive and significant.”

Identified Conclusion

• “Pathological gambling is highly comorbid with substance use, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, suggesting that treatment for one condition should involve assessment and possible concomitant treatment for comorbid conditions.”