Problem gambling, unlike alcohol and drug misuse, is currently not screened for when assessing patients with bipolar disorder as part of routine clinical practice in the UK. Findings from this study can be used to inform clinicians not only of the increased risk of problem gambling in bipolar disorder, but also of its association with type 2 disorder, suicidal behaviour and an unstable rapid cycling illness course. Clinicians should consider routinely assessing gambling problems in patients with bipolar disorder.
