Executive function in pathological gamblers and healthy controls.
David M Ledgerwood1, Emily S Orr, Kristen A Kaploun
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48207, USA. dledgerw@med.wayne.edu
Journal of Gambling Studies
|January 22, 2011
Summary
Pathological gamblers show specific executive function deficits, particularly in planning and decision-making. These findings suggest targeted interventions may help address impulse control issues in pathological gambling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Executive function (EF) deficits are implicated in impulse control disorders.
- Pathological gambling is characterized by significant impulse control problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether pathological gamblers (PGs) exhibit executive function dysfunction.
- To compare PGs and controls on various EF measures.
Main Methods:
- 45 pathological gamblers and 45 controls were assessed.
- Measures included response inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, perseveration, planning, decision-making, memory, and intelligence.
Main Results:
- PGs showed specific deficits in planning and decision-making compared to controls.
- A trend towards perseveration deficits in PGs was observed, but it was not significant after controlling for intelligence.
Conclusions:
- Pathological gamblers may have specific deficits in certain executive function components, particularly planning and decision-making.
- These EF deficits could contribute to the impulse control issues seen in pathological gambling.
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