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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers

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Pathological gambling: a general overview.

Larry L Ashley¹, Karmen K Boehlke

¹Department of Educational & Clinical Studies, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA. larry.ashley@unlv.edu

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

|May 31, 2012

Summary

Pathological gambling, a severe form of gambling, is a recognized mental health disorder. Research suggests reclassifying it as an addiction, highlighting the need for improved prevention and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Behavioral Science
Mental Health

Background:

Gambling is a historically popular activity with varying cultural acceptance.
While recreational for many, gambling can escalate to pathological gambling, a recognized mental health disorder.
Pathological gambling shares similarities with substance use disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of the literature on pathological gambling.
To discuss key aspects including etiology, risk factors, comorbidity, prevention, and treatment.
To highlight the proposed reclassification of pathological gambling in the DSM-V.

Main Methods:

Literature review of available research on pathological gambling.
Discussion of diagnostic criteria, clinical course, and treatment approaches.

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Examination of proposed reclassification within "Addiction and Related Disorders".

Main Results:

Pathological gambling is currently classified as an impulse control disorder.
It exhibits significant overlap with substance use disorders in diagnosis, course, and treatment.
The DSM-V Task Force proposes including it in a new "Addiction and Related Disorders" category.

Conclusions:

Pathological gambling is a complex disorder requiring further research.
Improved prevention and treatment efforts are necessary.
Reclassification as an addiction may refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.