Relationship between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and problem gambling: A mediation analysis of influential factors among 7,403 individuals from the UK

Abstract

Background and aimsOur goal was to examine the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and gambling problems, and to identify potential mediating factors of this association.MethodsThis study used cross-sectional, community-based data from 7,403 people aged ≥16 years who participated in the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. Problem gambling was assessed using a questionnaire based on the 10 DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. Respondents were classified as having no problem, at-risk, or problem gambling. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted to analyze the association between ADHD symptoms (i.e., ASRS score ≥14) and problem gambling and the role of several variables in this association.ResultsThe prevalence of at-risk (5.3% vs. 2.4%) and problem gambling (2.4% vs. 0.6%) was higher in individuals with ADHD symptoms than in those without ADHD symptoms. ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with both at-risk (OR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.22–3.79) and problem gambling (OR = 3.57; 95% CI = 1.53–8.31) when adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity. Common mental disorders (CMDs; i.e., depression and anxiety disorders) (mediated percentage = 22.4%), borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits (22.1%), stressful life events (13.2%), stress at work or home (12.6%), alcohol dependence (11.8%), and impulsivity (11.2%) were significant mediators in the ADHD–gambling association.Discussion and conclusionsOverall, ADHD symptoms were positively associated with problem gambling. CMDs, BPD traits, and stressful life events were important mediators in this relationship.

ASRS Questionnaire and Tobacco Use: Not Just a Cigarette. A Screening Study in an Italian Young Adult Sample

“…Specifically, young adult smokers present twice the possibility to score positive on an ADHD screening questionnaire (OR = 1.82, IC95% = 1.00-3.30) than non-smoking young adults. Compared to other studies [52][53][54], no similar results have been found in BDZ users, gambling and alcohol use. It is important to underline that we have used a screening questionnaire for ADHD, and not a diagnostic one.…”

The influence of chronological age on cognitive biases and impulsivity levels in male patients with gambling disorder

“…For example, the literature has highlighted the robust link between behavioral addiction and neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, such as the presence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Brandt & Fischer, 2019). Various hypotheses have been suggested to explain the mechanisms linking ADHD (particularly when it persists in adulthood) with GD (Jacob, Haro, & Koyanagi, 2018), high impulsivity levels being one of the core features (Abouzari, Oberg, Gruber, & Tata, 2015). It has also been postulated that children with ADHD usually report lower intelligence quotient (IQ) than control subjects (Biederman, Fried, Petty, Mahoney, & Faraone, 2012), and the combination of high impulsivity levels with lower IQ could lead to a higher risk of GD (Rai et al, 2014).…”

Warning labels and messaging for youth gamblers

“…66,67 Harms associated with people who experience gambling disorder include financial problems, problems with interpersonal relationships, 68,69 and associations with other psychiatric disorders. 70,71 Youth may be a particularly susceptible population for gambling problem harms. Therefore, it is important to understand the use of age restrictions in preventing or minimising these harms.…”