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Editorials

Problem gambling: what do general practitioners need to know and do about it?

Shane A Thomas, Leon Piterman and Alun C Jackson
MJA 2008; 189 (3): 135-136

GPs can play a crucial role in screening for problem gambling

Problem gambling is a significant mental health problem in Australia. Estimates of the prevalence of serious gambling problems in Australia range from 1% to 2% of the general adult population, with higher rates in specific groups.1 An estimated 2.5%–5% of the Australian adult population display at-risk gambling behaviour (according to standard diagnostic criteria).1 The prevalence of problem gambling exceeds that of stroke and coronary heart disease, and is comparable with the estimated prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Australia.2

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©The Medical Journal of Australia 2008 www.mja.com.au PRINT ISSN: 0025-729X ONLINE ISSN: 1326-5377