Episodic and Binge Gambling: An Exploration and Preliminary Quantitative Study.
S Cowlishaw1, E Nespoli2, J K Jebadurai3,4
1School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. sean.cowlishaw@bristol.ac.uk.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|June 5, 2017
Summary
Episodic gambling is common in individuals seeking treatment for gambling problems. Understanding these distinct patterns is crucial for better recognition and research in gambling disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The DSM-5 introduced classifications for episodic gambling disorder, reflecting prior observations of binge gambling.
- Limited research exists on the clinical utility of these episodic or binge gambling classifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of episodic gambling patterns within a clinical sample of patients with gambling problems.
- To assess the prevalence and distinguishing factors of different episodic gambling subtypes.
Main Methods:
- A new binge gambling screening tool and routine measures were administered to 214 patients at a specialist gambling treatment clinic.
- Patients were categorized based on their reported gambling episode patterns (regular alternating vs. irregular intermittent).
Main Results:
- Episodic gambling was prevalent, with 28% reporting regular alternating episodes and 32% reporting irregular intermittent episodes.
- Irregular episodic gamblers showed lower problem gambling severity and comorbidity compared to continuous gamblers.
- Potential binge gambling was identified in approximately 4% of the sample, with insufficient numbers for detailed analysis.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the inclusion of episodic gambling disorder in the DSM-5.
- There is a need for enhanced recognition and further research into the heterogeneity of episodic gambling patterns.
