Discrete Roles for Impulsivity and Compulsivity in Gambling Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Complex associations exist between gambling disorder (GD) and impulsivity.
• Understanding the relationship between specific impulsivity domains and compulsivity in GD is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between self-reported and behavioral measures of impulsivity and compulsivity in adults with GD.
• To investigate the contribution of these measures, along with age, to GD severity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 132 adults with GD.
• Assessed impulsivity using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Experiential Discounting Task (EDT).
• Measured compulsivity with the Padua Inventory and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).

Main Results:

• BIS-11 non-planning and total scores positively correlated with GD severity.
• Non-planning impulsivity (BIS-11), compulsivity (Padua), and decision-making (EDT) directly contributed to GD severity.
• Age was the only factor directly influencing perseverative errors on the WCST, with no significant effect on GD severity.

Conclusions:

• Specific facets of impulsivity and compulsivity are significant contributors to gambling disorder severity.
• Interventions targeting the identified key domains of impulsivity and compulsivity may lead to improved treatment outcomes for GD.