HONG KONG - A study has found that over 60 percent of pathological gamblers in Hong Kong have at least one type of mental disorder, such as anxiety and depression.

The researchers say the results of the study demonstrate that an inter-disciplinary approach needs to become part of the city's policy for dealing with problem gamblers.

The study was a joint effort by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the Department of Applied Social Science of Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Divisions on Addictions affiliated to Harvard Medical School.

The nine-month study commencing in June, 2009, collected information from 201 pathological gamblers who sought help from social service organizations in Hong Kong.

he result showed that 63.7 percent of the subjects were diagnosed as having at least one type of mental disorder.

A more detailed break-down revealed that 30.8 percent had substance abuse disorders, such as alcohol and drugs, while 29.4 percent had mood disorders, such as depression.

The study also showed that pathological gamblers diagnosed with mental disorders are at higher risk of separation from loved ones and job lay-off.

The researchers said the finding showed addictive gamblers have less support from family and are socially isolated.

Meanwhile, mental disorders tend to drive pathological gamblers deeper into the habit, creating a vicious circle that exacerbates the problem.

In light of the findings, Professor Daniel Shek Tan-lei from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who led the study, suggested an integrated approach to help pathological gamblers.

"Mental health has long been neglected, but pathological gambling cannot be taken at face value; it is intertwined with psychiatric problems which must be dealt with by professionals," said Professor Shek.

According to him, the Hospital Authority now has a substance abuse center that offers not only medical treatment but psychiatric services.

However, services for pathological gamblers are very scarce. Professor Shek believes the government should consider providing psychiatric services for addictive gamblers.

He suggested a government-led "one-stop service", like addiction centers that have been operating well in developed countries like Canada and Singapore.

Elda Chan Mei-lo, supervisor at Even Center, the gambler recovery unit under Tung Wah Group Hospitals, said her center has been supporting pathological gamblers with a team of social workers, debt councilors and clinical psychologists.

The center has handled about 3,500 cases from 2003 until now, according to Chan. Among the 2,700 or so cases the center has been following up, 80 percent are no longer suffering from addictive gambling.

Moses Mui, chief officer at Hong Kong Council of Social Services, thinks the policy advice arising from the study sets "a good direction".

Psychiatric support at social service organizations is mainly provided by social workers or psychiatrists working on a volunteer basis.

According to Mui, people seeking mental health service at public hospitals have to wait more than one month before setting up the first interview.

"What is needed is a sustainable mechanism within the public health system," said Mui.