Problematic internet use in gamblers: impact on clinical and cognitive measures

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Gambling exists on a spectrum, from occasional to pathological gambling disorder.
• The internet can facilitate gambling behaviors, but its impact on gambling-related issues is understudied.
• Problematic internet use (PIU) may influence clinical and cognitive aspects of gambling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and cognitive correlates of problematic internet use in gamblers.
• To examine the relationship between PIU and mental health conditions and cognitive functions in a gambling population.

Main Methods:

• 206 adult gamblers (aged 18-30) completed clinical and cognitive assessments.
• Problematic internet use was assessed using Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ).
• Linear regression analyzed predictors of YDQ scores, focusing on addictive, impulsive, and compulsive measures.

Main Results:

• 18% of gamblers reported problematic internet use.
• PIU was associated with lower quality of life, self-esteem, and higher rates of intermittent explosive disorder, gambling disorder, ADHD, antisocial personality disorder, and PTSD.
• Deficits in decision-making and spatial working memory were observed in gamblers with PIU.
• Problematic internet use strongly correlated with increased gambling disorder and ADHD symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Problematic internet use in gamblers is linked to diminished quality of life, increased gambling pathology, comorbidities, and cognitive deficits.
• Further research into PIU definitions and its clinical/cognitive associations is vital for effective gambling disorder treatment.