The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 36 No. 4 - Primary Care Mental Health

Pathological Gambling - Treatment and the Role of the Primary Care Physician

Wong Kim Eng
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 36 No 4 - Primary Care Mental Health
15 - 18
1 October 2010
0377-5305
Although awareness of pathological gambling is growing in Singapore, some medical practitioners may not be conversant with the availability of treatment at the national Addictions management Service (NAMS) and the treatment approaches. Some may not be clear about the diagnosis. This article aims to discuss the above and to stress the important roles that the primary care physician can play in terms of identification of those at risk of developing gambling problems, early identification of the pathological gamblers for referral for early treatment, and implementation of brief intervention for those who are reluctant to seek treatment from the addiction specialists.