The Correlation between Gambling Addiction and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This descriptive study examined the relationship between Gambling Addiction (GD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms amongst 145 men (ages 18–65) in Matasia Location, Kajiado County, Kenya, a peri-urban area marked by high unemployment (56.6%). The research confirmed a pervasive, destructive psychological cycle: 69.0% of respondents reported using gambling as a maladaptive coping mechanism to escape stress and emotional challenges. However, this behavior severely worsened their mental health (51.7%), leading to a high prevalence of post-gambling distress. Men exhibited clinical anxiety symptoms, including excessive worry (69.0%) and severe physical manifestations (93.1%, such as sweating and sleeplessness). The negative emotional aftermath was characterized by intense guilt (93.1%) and shame (89.7%). This cycle is primarily fuelled by the financial fallout of the addiction—chronic losses (96.6%) and crippling debt (98.6%)—which amplify anxiety and drive the compulsive, daily gambling (54.5%). The findings establish a clear, detrimental relationship where gambling, initially sought for emotional escape, becomes the primary generator of severe anxiety. Urgent, integrated interventions addressing both the addiction and the underlying mental health needs, alongside economic and regulatory reforms, are essential to mitigate this public health crisis in the community.

Gambling Addiction, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Comorbidity, Emotional Escapism

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