Psychiatrist Warns Of Gambling Addiction After The World Cup

[Jai Dee]

Psychiatrist warns of gambling addiction after the World Cup

A psychiatrist warns people who are obsessed with soccer betting during the World Cup risk being addicted to gambling after the tournament is ended.

Panu Khuwattayakorn (ภาณุ ๕วัฒยากร), of Suan Prung (สวนปรุง) hospital in Chiang Mai, said studies found the number of people suffering from gambling addiction usually increased after every World Cup. Gambling addiction could cause depression and some addicts may even contemplate suicide, De. Panu said.

Dr. Panu said gambling addiction is a disease but can be treated with medicine and behavioural therapy.

Some patients who have been cured could still return to gambling so families should help them kick the habit by taking good care of them and giving them moral support.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 June 2006