HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS British Journal of Psychiatry Advances in Psychiatric Treatment All RCPsych Journals		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit an eLetter Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Gosai, I. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Gosai, I.

BMA guidance on problem gambling

Assertive Outreach Service, Plymouth, email: ishaang{at}hotmail.co.uk

The British Medical Association (BMA) has recently published a document on problem gambling in the UK prior to the Gambling Act 2005 coming fully into force in September. The document focuses on various aspects of problem gambling and particularly emphasises the potential impact on young people (British Medical Association, 2007). Also emphasised is the need for the National Health Service to provide help for those with this problem. Two important areas that the document does not emphasise however, are the impact on the elderly and their carers.

The UK has an ageing population, with 16% of the population currently aged over 65. This is forecast to increase, with the elderly making up 19% of the population by 2021 (projected data from Office of Health Economics, 2002). The elderly can be at risk of problem gambling and are more likely to fall prey to the psychosocial consequences. It is therefore surprising that the BMA document did not make specific mention of this particularly vulnerable group of people.

The government has emphasised the importance of caring for carers (Department of Health, 1999). Carers of those with problem gambling could also suffer psychosocial distress and they require recognition and support. In the UK, where more and more elderly couples have only each other for support, this is particularly important. Again it is surprising that the BMA did not mention this in its recommendations.

References

BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2007) Gambling Addiction and its Treatment within the NHS: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. BMA.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (1999) Caring about Carers: A National Strategy for Carers. Department of Health.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit an eLetter Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Gosai, I. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Gosai, I.