Differences in the associations between gambling problem severity and psychiatric disorders among black and white adults: findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Am J Addict. 2011 Jan-Feb;20(1):69-77. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2010.00098.x. Epub 2010 Nov 17.

Abstract

We examined differences in the associations of gambling problem severity and psychiatric disorders among a nationally representative sample of 32,316 black and white adults. Black respondents were more likely than white ones to exhibit problem or pathological gambling (PPG) and a stronger relationship between subsyndromal gambling and any mood disorder, hypomania, and any substance use disorder. Differences in the patterns of co-occurring disorders between syndromal and particularly subsyndromal levels of gambling in black and white respondents indicate the importance of considering race-related factors in mental health prevention and treatment strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Female
  • Gambling / complications
  • Gambling / epidemiology*
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Health Surveys / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • White People / psychology*