Trading addiction on the rise in Bengaluru: NIMHANS doctor sounds alarm over growing youth crisis

Mental health experts warn that compulsive trading is emerging as a serious behavioural addiction, with increasing hospital admissions and heavy financial losses among young people.

Trading addiction, similar in severity to betting and gambling addiction, is fast emerging as a major mental health concern among Bengaluru’s youth, doctors at NIMHANS have warned. Psychiatrists say they are witnessing a steady rise in hospital admissions linked to compulsive trading behaviour and severe financial distress.

According to Dr. Manoj from NIMHANS, trading addiction is becoming a visible and worrying pattern in clinical practice. “We are seeing at least two to three serious cases every month where individuals suffer heavy financial losses due to excessive trading. Even when they realise the losses, they continue trading with the belief that one big profit will help them recover everything,” he explained.

Doctors note that this constant hope of recovery traps individuals in a cycle of repeated losses, emotional stress, and financial instability. Many affected individuals remain glued to their mobile phones throughout the day, constantly tracking markets, placing trades, and thinking about investments.

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Experts define trading addiction as a behavioural disorder marked by constant preoccupation with trading, inability to control trading habits, and continuation of risky behaviour despite harmful consequences. The most common symptoms include persistent thoughts about trading, investing increasing amounts of money, attempting to earn quick profits in short periods, and ignoring personal, social, and financial responsibilities.

Dr. Manoj said that the presence of these symptoms is an alarming sign and indicates the need for professional treatment. “Loss of control and continued trading despite damage to finances, family life, and mental health are red flags that require immediate attention,” he added.

Mental health professionals say young adults are particularly vulnerable due to easy access to online trading platforms, aggressive marketing, and unrealistic expectations of fast wealth. Many end up borrowing money, exhausting savings, and falling into debt, further worsening their emotional health.

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To overcome trading addiction, doctors advise early intervention. The first step is to openly discuss the problem with a trusted family member. The second and most important step is to seek professional help from a mental health expert for proper counselling and treatment.

As digital trading becomes more accessible, experts urge awareness and responsible financial behaviour to prevent addiction from turning into a silent crisis among the youth.