title: Problem gambling - aetiology, identification and management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gambling is a mainstream activity across Australia, with increasing accessibility. It is also a significant public health issue, with around 395 000 Australians experiencing harm from problem gambling.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article reviews current evidence relating to the classification and prevalence of problem gambling in Australia, why problems develop, and how to assess and manage gambling presentations within primary care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  People affected by problem gambling are not a homogenous group in terms of course or onset. Screening is important, especially where financial problems are present or when there are other conditions that commonly co-occur (such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and nicotine dependence). Effective management involves a nonjudgemental and empathic approach, which may include referral to telephone or online services, face-to-face problem gambling programs, financial counselling, psychological and pharmacological interventions.
authors.affiliation: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, Eastern Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rodda
authors.forename: Dan I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Lubman
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Latage
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005715:Gambling / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*