[Pathological gambling: review of the recent research trends]

The aim of this paper is to reduce a significant gap in the gambling literature in Hungary by presenting existing models and available treatments. Although theoretical models of pathological gambling all have strengths and weaknesses, they do provide valuable insights into the development of pathological gambling. Evidence now exist that psychological, biological and social factors are all relevant in pathological gambling but as yet a comprehensive theoretical model that could adequately account for the complex interaction of the factors has to be developed. Some methodological problems in the area of research are highlighted, and suggestions for future research are included. It is hoped this paper will stimulate future research work in this field and support the work of clinical psychologists.