Should GPs routinely screen for gambling disorders?

There is limited data regarding disclosure of gambling problems by patients, and awareness of gambling related symptoms and treatment options amongst GPs. A recent UK study determined the extent of gambling problems among patients attending GP services, and reported a gambling disorder in 5% of patients. Whilst reinforcing the potential for GP practices to be used for disorder detection, the study did not specially measure GPs awareness of both gambling disorder symptoms, or established care pathways for those experiencing the disorder4. To this end, data was collected via an online survey from 85 UK GPs (34 female)., from across the UK Respondents had been a GP for an average of 14.67 years (s.d. 9.58, range 1-40 years)