Growth Of Betting Websites Carries Added Risks For Gamblers With Parkinson's Disease
Article Date: 23 Apr 2007 - 0:00 PDT
Parkinson's disease sufferers could be adversely affected by the growth of betting on the web because they are more likely to become gambling addicts, says a doctor writing in today's BMJ.
Parkinson's disease is common. It is estimated to affect one in 200 people in the developed world. Dr Sui Wong says while the motor symptoms and signs of Parkinson's disease are well recognised, the behavioural disorders, such as problem gambling, are less well known.
It is estimated that 3.5% of people with Parkinson's disease are pathological gamblers. That figure rises to 7.2% if they are taking drugs known as dopamine agonists. By comparison, in the general population only 1% of people become pathological gamblers.
Characterised by excessive betting, pathological gambling is a chronic and progressive mental disorder which can have devastating effects. Dr Wong says her patients are often secretive about their gambling and may end up thousands of pounds in debt before the problem is discovered.
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