Psychopathological Characteristics and Motivational Factors of Pathological Gambling

Authors

  • Andjela Lazic University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, , Serbia
  • Filip Kapor University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, , Serbia
  • Igor Kelecevic University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, , Serbia

Keywords:

Gambling disorder, comorbidity, Suicidal Ideation, Patient Compliance, Impulsive behavior

Abstract

Background: Gambling disorder is a behavioral addiction associated with significant psychological, social, and public health consequences. Patients frequently present with psychiatric comorbidities, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, relapse, and suicidal behavior, contributing to poorer clinical outcomes and chronic progression of the disorder. Gambling-related problems are often underrecognized until severe psychosocial impairment develops. Better understanding of psychopathological characteristics, motivational factors, and predictors of relapse and suicidality may improve early identification and treatment of high-risk individuals.

Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with gambling disorder treated at the Clinic for Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, between January 2020 and December 2025. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 101 patients were analyzed. Data from electronic medical records included sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric comorbidities, impulsivity, suicidal behavior, relapse, treatment compliance, psychotherapy recommendations, and motivational factors for gambling. Statistical analyses included chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, odds ratio (OR), and Cramer’s V coefficient, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The sample was predominantly male (96%), with a mean age of 36.8 ± 10.08 years, indicating that gambling disorder mainly affected the working-age population. Psychiatric comorbidities were present in 76.2% of patients, most commonly substance use and mood disorders, while impulsivity was identified in 49.5%. Suicidality was recorded in 40.6% of patients, emphasizing the considerable psychiatric burden associated with gambling disorder. The most common motivational factors for gambling were excitement and entertainment, followed by escape from problems and financial difficulties, suggesting the importance of both reward-seeking behavior and maladaptive coping mechanisms. A strong association was observed between elements of the suicidal continuum and suicide attempts (p < 0.001; OR = 174.2). Suicide attempts were not recorded among patients without suicidal ideation or planning. Regular follow-up visits were associated with lower rates of suicide attempts (p = 0.007; V = 0.47) and relapse (p = 0.036; V = 0.436). Impulsivity was significantly associated with legal problems (p = 0.02; OR = 8.5). Patients referred to supportive psychotherapy showed fewer suicide attempts, although significance was lost after continuity correction.

Conclusion: Gambling disorder represents a complex psychiatric condition strongly associated with comorbid psychopathology, impulsivity, relapse, and suicidality. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of comprehensive psychiatric assessment and early recognition of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients with gambling disorder. Continuous therapeutic follow-up and long-term treatment engagement were associated with lower rates of relapse and suicide attempts, highlighting their protective role in clinical outcomes. Individualized multidisciplinary treatment approaches, including psychotherapy and monitoring of high-risk patients, may contribute to improved prognosis and more effective prevention of adverse psychosocial and psychiatric consequences.

Key Words: Gambling Disorder; Comorbidity; Impulsive Behavior; Suicidal Ideation; Patient Compliance

 

Author Biography

Andjela Lazic, University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, , Serbia

Student

References

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Published

2026-08-19

How to Cite

Lazic, A., Kapor, F., & Kelecevic, I. (2026). Psychopathological Characteristics and Motivational Factors of Pathological Gambling. International Journal of Medical Students. Retrieved from https://ijms.pitt.edu/IJMS/article/view/4888

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Forthcoming

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Abstracts of the WCMSR

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Copyright (c) 2026 Andjela Lazic, Filip Kapor, Igor Kelecevic

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