Antisocial personality disorder and pathological gambling.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Criminology
• Psychology

Background:

• Pathological gambling is a significant issue with potential links to criminal behavior.
• Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a recognized condition that may co-occur with addictive behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of ASPD in pathological gamblers.
• To examine the relationship between ASPD and criminal offenses (gambling-related and non-gambling-related) in this population.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 306 pathological gamblers was assessed.
• Semi-structured interviews were used, including DSM-III criteria for ASPD and the California Psychological Inventory Socialisation subscale.

Main Results:

• 15% of pathological gamblers met DSM-III criteria for ASPD.
• 48% admitted to gambling-related offenses, 6% to non-gambling-related offenses, and 11% to both.
• While those with ASPD were at higher risk, most offenses were committed independently of a formal ASPD diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• ASPD is prevalent in pathological gamblers, but not the sole driver of criminal activity.
• Features resembling ASPD may develop as a coping mechanism for concealing gambling behaviors and financial problems.