Compulsive Gambling(Gambling Addiction; Pathological Gambling)
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionCompulsive gambling is an impulse control disorder that is characterized by an overwhelming urge to gamble. In compulsive gambling, your life becomes dominated by gambling. CausesIt is not clear what causes compulsive gambling. There is some evidence that there may be a genetic component. Research has also shown that people who have a gambling addiction experience changes in their brain. These brain changes are like those that occur in people who are addicted to drugs.
Risk FactorsGambling addiction is more common in males. Factors that may increase the risk of compulsive gambling include:
SymptomsSymptoms of compulsive gambling may include:
DiagnosisYou may be referred to a mental health therapist. The therapist will ask about your:
TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: TherapyCounseling for compulsive gambling may include cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy can help you learn to correct the negative thoughts and beliefs that lead you to gamble, find healthier responses to stress, develop social skills, and prevent relapse. Therapy can also help uncover what led you to compulsively gamble. MedicationsThere is some evidence that people who compulsively gamble may benefit from medications, such as:
PreventionThere is no known way to prevent compulsive gambling. If you have a problem with impulse control, avoiding situations where there is gambling may prevent you from developing a problem. RESOURCES:Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net National Council on Problem Gambling http://www.ncpgambling.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha.ca Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario http://www.problemgambling.ca References:Black DW, Monahan PO, Temkit M, Shaw M. A family study of pathological gambling.
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2007;19(3):298-303. Signs of a gambling problem. Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling website. Available at:
https://masscompulsivegambling.org/resources/signs-of-a-gambling-problem. Accessed October 4, 2017. 10 questions about gambling behavior. Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed October 4, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 7/17/20 |
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