Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
06:01
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
Neurocognitive dysfunction in strategic and non-strategic gamblers
Jon E Grant1, Brian L Odlaug, Samuel R Chamberlain
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. grant045@umn.edu
Summary
Pathological gambling may have subtypes based on game type. While clinical differences exist, cognitive impairments like inflexibility were similar across strategic and non-strategic gamblers.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pathological gambling is a complex disorder with potential subtypes.
- Previous research has not extensively explored clinical and cognitive differences between these subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential subtypes of pathological gambling based on preferred gambling activities.
- To compare the clinical and cognitive profiles of strategic versus non-strategic gamblers.
Main Methods:
- Subjects meeting DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling were categorized into strategic (e.g., cards, sports betting) and non-strategic (e.g., slots, video poker) groups.
- Groups were compared on gambling severity, psychiatric comorbidity, and neurocognitive tests (motor impulsivity, cognitive flexibility).
Main Results:
- The sample included 77 pathological gamblers (28.6% strategic, 71.4% non-strategic).
- Non-strategic gamblers were more likely to be older, female, and divorced.
- No significant differences in cognitive function were found; both groups exhibited impaired cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Preferred gambling activity may correlate with specific clinical characteristics in pathological gambling.
- Pathological gambling subtypes, defined by game type, do not appear to differ in cognitive inflexibility or motor impulsivity.
