Gender differences in the temporal sequencing of problem gambling with other disorders

Gender differences in the temporal sequencing of problem gambling and other disorders was investigated in a sample of 267 gamblers, recruited from treatment centres. There were 144 men (54 %) with a mean age of 40.58 years and 123 women with a mean age of 48.72 years. All participants completed a survey assessing age of first onset for problem gambling and age of first onset for mood and substance abuse disorders. Results revealed that women tended to experience other disorders before the first onset of problem gambling, whereas men tended to experience other disorders after the first onset of problem gambling. Data are also provided showing the mean number of years between the initial episode of problem gambling and other disorders. Results are discussed in relation to treatment implications and the limitations of retrospective data.