5 Gambling Disorder
Learning Objectives
- Identify and describe gambling, overeating, and hoarding behavioral addiction and corresponding symptoms.
- Utilize and research SAMHSA Guidelines for identification and treatment of behavioral addictions.
- Utilize DSM – 5 TR for diagnosis and research of criterion to treat behavioral addictions.
overview of gambling disorder
Gambling is characterized by unnecessary risk taking (typically in the form of money) with the purpose of attainment of a higher value. Gambling disorder is identified by a pattern of repeated and ongoing betting or wagering that continues despite creating multiple problems in several areas of an individual’s life. Individuals in any age group may suffer from gambling disorder. Those who suffer from gambling disorder have trouble controlling gambling. Individuals, families, and society may be affected by gambling disorder.
characteristics of gambling disorder
A diagnosis of gambling disorder using the DSM 5 requires at least four of the following behaviors during the past year:
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling or planning future gambling)
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on or stop gambling.
- Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
- Gambling when trying to escape from problems or negative mood or stress.
- After losing an item of value by gambling, feeling the need to continue to get even. (This is referred to as “chasing” one’s losses.)
- Often gambling when feeling distressed.
- After losing money gambling, often returning to get even. (This is referred to as “chasing” one’s losses.)
- Lying to hide the extent of gambling involvement.
- Losing important opportunities such as a job or school achievements or close relationships due to gambling.
- Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling
People with gambling disorder can have periods where symptoms subside. The gambling may not seem a problematic during periods that are between those of more severe symptoms. Younger age and male gender may be risk factors but symptoms for gambling disorder could begin at any age. Men are more likely to start gambling at a younger age compared to women but women can progress to problem gambling much faster. Trauma and social inequality, particularly in women, may also be risk factors. Low income, unemployment, and poverty are also linked to Gambling disorder. The increase in the number of people with gambling problems has shown to be linked to the increase in the availability of gambling opportunities.
gambling guide for clinical treatment
More Americans than ever are placing bets on sports online, due to the increase of internet and smart phone use. The vast majority of people who gamble are able to do so without any long-lasting problems, but research has shown that up to 1 percent of the population currently has a gambling disorder. Gambling disorder involves repeated, problem gambling. Despite significant personal and familial problems caused by the individual’s behavior, those with gambling disorder struggle to control their gambling. In the midst of the widespread adoption of online gambling, APA Publishing has released the second edition of Gambling Disorder, A Clinical Guide to Treatment
The new text offers clinicians the most up-to-date information for identifying and treating gambling disorder. Edited by Jon E. Grant, M.D., M.P.H., J.D., and Marc N. Potenza, M.D., Ph.D., this text explores a factor some clinicians are not aware of, specifically the personal and societal consequences of gambling disorder related to public health.
supplemental video
Watch the video below, be sure to take notes as we may have a discussion requirement that uses some of this information:
