Mortality risk in a population of patients treated for gambling disorders: results of a follow-up study

Aims. To examine mortality risk and causes of death in a cohort of a population of patients treated for gambling disorders in northern Italy from 1992 to 2019. Methods. Cohort study. Results. Half of the patients were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, substance use disorder or alcohol dependence. The excess mortality compared to the general population (SMR) was 1.16 (0.85-1.58), more elevated among females aged 40 to 59 and males aged 20 to 29. Females had higher SMRs for all cancers and suicide; males for malignant neoplasm of liver, of lung, of prostate, and of bladder. Conclusions. Despite patients increasing, subjects who most turn to the services are the most serious ones, in older age, with comorbid mental disorders and with a compromised health status. This is reflected in the high risk of death for all cancers.