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[Similarities and differences between pathological gambling and substance dependance: A clarification].
E Bosc1, M Fatséas, J-M Alexandre
1Laboratoire de psychiatrie/CNRS-USR-3413-Sanpsy, université Bordeaux-Segalen, 33076 Bordeaux, France.
L'Encephale
|October 16, 2012
Summary
Pathological gambling and substance dependence share many similarities, including diagnostic criteria and neurobiology. However, key symptoms like craving and loss of control suggest they belong to the same spectrum of addictive disorders.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Pathological gambling is increasingly discussed within the spectrum of addictive disorders.
- Substance dependence serves as a model for understanding addictive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze similarities and differences between pathological gambling and substance dependence.
- To critically evaluate existing literature on gambling disorder and its relation to substance use disorders.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of international literature.
- Development of a checklist to compare pathological gambling and substance dependence.
- Classification and analysis of identified similarities and differences.
Main Results:
- Identified similarities include epidemiological characteristics, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, co-occurrence, neurobiological factors, spontaneous recovery, and treatment approaches.
- Differences noted involve mood disorders, suicide prevalence, gambling-specific risk factors, cognitive distortions (e.g., chasing), and tailored therapies.
- Key addiction symptoms like craving and loss of control in gambling disorder were highlighted as common ground.
Conclusions:
- Pathological gambling shares significant commonalities with substance dependence.
- Despite reported differences, critical analysis reveals substantial overlap, suggesting a unified classification within addictive disorders.
- Symptoms such as craving and loss of control may be crucial for grouping pathological gambling and substance dependence together.
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