Ask certain patients about gambling habits, Health workers said – Irvine Times said

People who have gambling problems need to be identified “as early as possible” and offer support, according to the new guidelines of the National Institute for Perfection of Health and Care (NICE).

Health leaders have described the “massive” and “devastating” impact, the problem of impact can have on people’s lives.

The gambling study for 2023 for the UK suggests that one in 40 (2.5%) adults who have responded to the poll can bet in a problematic way.

An additional 12% of people who have responded to the study seem to be betting in a way that puts them at an increased risk of gambling damage, Nice said.

NICE’s new guidance says that people seeking help with mental health problems should be asked about the problem gambling in the same way they were asked about drugs, smoking and alcohol.

Health workers and those who work in social services should ask people about gambling habits in a number of situations, including the appointments of a doctor or health inspections, Nice said.

People at risk of gambling include those with depression, anxiety, post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSR), personality disorder or thoughts of self -harm or suicide, the message said.

Those who have just left their home for the first time should also be questioned about their gambling games, along with people who have acquired brain injuries that can make them more impulsive, according to The Nice Document.

People who are taking medicines that affect impulse control – which may include certain drugs of Parkinson’s – and people with a disorder of hyperactivity disorder with attention deficit (ADHD) can also be at risk, Nice said.

And those seeking help with any addiction – including alcohol or drug addiction – are also at risk.

Those with a family history of gambling problems may also need purposeful support, Nice added.

It says that people should be called to evaluate the weight of their problem using a questionnaire on the NHS website.

Those with eight or higher estimates should be directed to a specialized NHS gambling clinic, while people who achieve a less scale on the scale of gravity may also be offered another support, Nice said.

People who are experiencing gambling damage should be asked directly for suicide thoughts and supported, he added.

They should also be advised in practical ways to stop gambling, including software blocking, Nice said.

The staff is recalled that some people may not seek help because of the stigma surrounding a problem gambling and have been called to ask direct questions to the risky.

A good document also suggests that people should be asked about gambling “at any key contact with the penalty system, including police, courts and prisons.

Calling health workers to consider asking people about gambling if they are a young person who has recently flew the nest, good guidance adds: “The committee identifies based on their own experience that young people leaving home for the first time at risk and at risk and So they added this to the recommendations. “

Professor Jonathan Bener, Chief Medical Officer of Nice, said: “Damage related to gambling has a detrimental effect on those who experience it and people close to them.

“Our useful and usable direction will help health professionals and others identify those who need help earlier and ensure that they need the treatment and support they need.”

The National Clinical Director of NHS England, Dr. Claire Fuller, said: “We welcome Nice’s decision, as gambling can have a huge impact on the lives of the people and the lives of the people who care for them, and as healthcare professionals From the right tools to help deal with gambling injuries.

“In the last few years, NHS has made significant progress in expanding the treatment of gambling addiction with the deployment of 15 specialized clinics across the country.

“So if you are worried about your gambling, there is support and you can directly head to your local NHS gambling clinic.”

Liz Richie, who co-founded charity with Lives with her husband after the suicide of their son Jack-and who was part of the Nice Committee, who wrote the direction, said this direction will save life.

“Finally, GPS, Health and Social Services experts will ask about gambling as part of the routine checks and they will be trained to recognize the very high risk of gambling suicide.

“Gambling suicide is an emergency for public health and our NHS comes to the rescue to save lives throughout the country.”

Dr. Adrian Hather, a medical director for the Clinical Policy at the Royal College of GPs, said: “As personal doctors, we see the devastating impact that damages gambling can be well hidden.

“We know that patients often want help only after the gambling has already negatively influenced their lives and this enjoyable guide aims to encourage people to discuss their problems with gambling with a reliable health specialist in confidential space before their problems worsen S

“However, we must recognize the restrictions of a 10-minute meeting, which is already too short to comply with the increasingly complex needs of our patients.

“The current gambling addiction service enables self -determination and more resources and signs based in the Community must be available locally through voluntary organizations as part of an integrated approach rather than a medical model of guidance and a door from GPS.”

Betting and Games Board (BGC) spokesman said the “prevailing majority” of British people who bet “do it safely and responsibly”, adding: “BGC members have voluntarily contributed over £ 170 million in the last four years, for To deal with the problem of gambling and gambling, including £ 50 million in 2024, financing an independent network of charity organizations currently taking care of 85% of all problematic gamblers receiving treatment in the UK.

“The most NHS survey for England estimated that 0.4% of the adult population is problematic gamblers.”

Gambling Minister Barones Tuicros said: “We welcome this Nice guide to identify, evaluate and manage gambling -related damages, which will support those who are experiencing harmful gambling to gain access to proper support.

“We know that clinical treatment is not necessarily appropriate for everyone, but it is important to have a full range of support as we strengthen treatment options.

“The government’s plans to introduce a legitimate tax that will generate £ 100 million each year will provide the investment needed to further expand the support and treatment that is offered for the needy.”

– Let’s visit a NHS gambling evaluation: