Aims: To examine mortality risk and causes of death in a cohort of a population of patients treated for gambling disorders in northern Italy from 1992 to 2019.
Methods: Cohort study.
Results: Half of the patients were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, substance use disorder or alcohol dependence. The excess mortality compared to the general population (SMR) was 1.16 (0.85-1.58), more elevated among females aged 40 to 59 and males aged 20 to 29. Females had higher SMRs for all cancers and suicide; males for malignant neoplasm of liver, of lung, of prostate, and of bladder.
Conclusions: Despite patients increasing, subjects who most turn to the services are the most serious ones, in older age, with comorbid mental disorders and with a compromised health status. This is reflected in the high risk of death for all cancers.