Russia is taking a significant step toward standardizing the treatment of gambling addiction. Health officials are in the process of developing comprehensive national clinical guidelines that will provide a unified framework for diagnosing, treating, and preventing ludomania, the clinical term for gambling disorder.
The initiative was announced by Evgeny Krupitsky, the Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the V.M. Bekhteva National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology. In an interview with RBC, he confirmed that the project is currently in its initial stages of development.
The primary goal of these guidelines is to create a single, authoritative document that healthcare professionals across the country can follow. This will help ensure consistent and evidence-based care for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, a condition that can have severe personal and financial consequences.
The responsibility for drafting the guidelines falls to the V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology. This leading institution will collaborate closely with the Russian Society of Psychiatry and specialists from the Bekhteva Center to compile the necessary research and clinical evidence.
The timeline for this important project has been outlined. The development phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Following that, the finalized document is scheduled for official approval and implementation in 2027.
However, officials have noted that the schedule is not set in stone. Krupitsky emphasized that the preparation of such guidelines requires a solid scientific foundation for every recommended approach. This rigorous process means the timeline could be adjusted as the work progresses to ensure the highest quality and accuracy.
This move reflects a growing recognition of gambling disorder as a serious public health issue that requires structured medical intervention. By establishing clear clinical recommendations, Russia aims to improve treatment outcomes and provide better support for those affected.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.