When gambling becomes a mental illness
Doctor Cao Thi Anh Tuyet (Department M7 - Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital) shares a typical case: Mr. T.N.H (34 years old, Dong Trieu, Quang Ninh) used to have a fulfilling life with a Business Administration degree, stable work at an overseas company and a happy family. However, his life gradually sliding down because of football betting - a habit formed from his college years.
At first, it was just small games with friends, but over time, Mr. H bet with an increasingly large amount of money. After the company disbanded, his plan to go abroad was unsuccessful, and he and his wife divorced, and he became more immersed in gambling. Having spent up to 60-80 million VND/month betting, he lived a dried life and was away from his family. The young child followed his mother, the older child lived with his grandparents. He gradually became depressed, lost energy, was self-conscious and often lie to borrow money to continue playing. Although he once intended to stop, the "rechargeable" feeling when playing always brought him back.
In the past 6 months, he has lost 10kg, his heart beat fast, he was shaking, and he was constantly nervous. A month before his hospitalization, he was diagnosed with Basedow and is currently undergoing treatment. Although his physical health is better, he is still often anxious and uncontrolled. The family then took him to the Institute of Mental Health for treatment in the hope of helping him start over.
A hidden disease in modern times
According to Dr. Le Thi Thu Ha - Head of Department M7, gambling disorder (dysgedicted gambling, gambling addiction) is a serious behavioral disorder, classified as a group of mental illnesses such as alcoholism or drugs. Patients cannot control gambling behavior, even though they are aware of the serious consequences of finance, relationships and legality. Not only in adults, this situation is increasingly common among young people due to the form of online gambling, reward-swapping games, and easy-to-reach sports betting.
Biologically, this disorder is related to disorders in the brain's reward system. When gambling, the dopamine brain is excited but over time, patients need to play more to achieve the same feeling. Before each exercise, patients are often in a state of stress and expectation; then a series of days of sin and regret - creating a loop without a way out.
People with gambling disorder often hide their illness out of shame. They lie to their relatives, hide their debts, live in a feeling of anxiety, helplessness and despair. This is a major barrier that prevents patients from seeking timely help.
The treatment of gambling disorder requires a combination of many methods: psychological counseling, family support and possibly medication. But the most important factor is that patients must be aware of the problem and proactively seek solutions.
Mental and physical health risks
Statistics show that more than 50% of gambling addicts have emotional disorders, 40% show signs of anxiety, and over 60% have personality disorders. In addition, there are eating disorders, insomnia, weakness, physical disorders, even immunodeficiency and thyroid disease such as Mr. H's case.
People with the disease may have at least 4 of these manifestations: increasing the bet for enjoyment; burping, being angry when stopping playing; obsession with gambling thoughts; failure to control behavior; lying to hide; or returning to play after each failure.
Treatment includes psychotherapy - behavior, pharmacy and brain intervention. After discharge, the patient needs to be monitored and provided with long-term psychological support to avoid relapse.
