Gambling among forensic psychiatric patients: A prevalence study

Jakob W. Eriksen*, Lisbeth U Sørensen, Søren Kristiansen, Morten D Terkildsen, Rasmus M Hansen, Thomas Marcussen, Lisbeth Frostholm

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conference without publisher/journalConference abstract for conferenceResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: While gambling problems are increasingly recognized as a public health concern, knowledge of the
prevalence and impact within psychosocially vulnerable populations is scarce. Never before has the prevalence of
gambling problems been studied in a forensic psychiatric patient population. Given the risk for gambling problems to
exacerbate existing mental health conditions, cause financial strain, and contribute to criminal behavior, understanding its
prevalence and associated factors within this population is critical.
Objectives: The study aims to estimate the prevalence of gambling behavior and gambling problems among forensic
psychiatric patients in Denmark and compare the results to the general Danish population. Additionally, the study seeks
to identify associations between psychosocial and demographic variables and the occurrence and severity of gambling
problems. Lastly, the study will explore gambling motives and their relation to gambling problems in this patient
population.
Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study will include inpatients and outpatients in Central Denmark Region
forensic psychiatric care and inpatients in Capital Denmark Region forensic psychiatric wards from June 1 to December
31, 2024. Participants must be 18, and speak Danish, English, or Greenlandic. Data will be collected via self-report
questionnaires and electronic patient records. Key measures include gambling behavior (past year gambling, frequency,
and expenditure), gambling problems (the Problem Gambling Severity Index), and gambling motives (the Gambling
Motives Questionnaire-Financial).
Results: Data collection ends by December 31, 2024; preliminary findings will be presented at the conference.
Conclusions: Results will provide valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of gambling problems in this
population, informing clinical care and potentially guiding the development of targeted interventions. By highlighting the
need for attention to gambling issues in forensic psychiatric settings, the study may enhance rehabilitation and recovery
efforts and successful discharge by addressing potential risk factors for recidivism.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2024
Publication statusSubmitted - 2024
Event33rd European Congress of Psychiatry, April 5-8, 2025 - Madrid, Spain
Duration: 5 Apr 20258 Apr 2025

Conference

Conference33rd European Congress of Psychiatry, April 5-8, 2025
Country/TerritorySpain
CityMadrid
Period05/04/202508/04/2025

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