General Practitioners
With fewer than one in 10 people with gambling problems seeking formal counselling, doctors play an important role in early diagnosis and treatment.
People with gambling problems have a higher than average number of visits to their GP and experience more stress-related illnesses including high blood pressure, insomnia and migraine and often present with symptoms that appear unrelated to gambling such as depression, anxiety, stomach upsets and headaches.
GPs are often the first point of call for people experiencing the negative effects of excessive gambling and can play a critical role in connecting people with gambling help services.
The Foundation has developed an Introduction to Gambler's Help for GPs to help doctors identify, manage and refer patients who show signs of gambling harm.
Gambling harm screening
GPs are often the first port of call for people seeking help for gambling-related issues. Understanding and identifying the signs, effects and co-occurrence of gambling harm can help GPs effectively screen patients for gambling harm and make appropriate treatment and referral interventions.
Endorsed by the RACGP, this factsheet provides essential information for GPs about screening for gambling harm, how to start a conversation about gambling, and the range of support options that are available.
Read more about Screening and supporting patients for gambling harm.
