Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:01
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
Gambling Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment.
Donna M Kaminski1, Heli Naik1, Doreen Sperber Weiss1
1Rutgers Health Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Family Practice Residency Program, Somerville, New Jersey.
American Family Physician
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Gambling disorder, a behavioral addiction, is increasingly prevalent and often underdiagnosed. Early screening and interventions like psychotherapy show promise, but long-term effectiveness requires further research.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral addiction
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Pathologic gambling, or gambling disorder, is a growing behavioral addiction with increasing accessibility.
- Often underdiagnosed, gambling disorder can have disabling effects, with rising rates observed in women.
- Risk factors include substance use disorder, mental health issues, lower socioeconomic status, and risky behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of gambling disorder, including its prevalence, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria.
- To explore current screening recommendations and diagnostic tools for gambling disorder.
- To summarize the evidence for pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for gambling disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on gambling disorder prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Analysis of guidelines from health organizations regarding screening and case-finding for gambling disorder.
- Summary of evidence for pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Gambling disorder prevalence is increasing, particularly among women.
- Screening guidelines are limited, with the UK suggesting direct questioning.
- Pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions offer short-term benefits, but long-term efficacy is uncertain.
Conclusions:
- Gambling disorder is an underdiagnosed behavioral addiction with significant impacts.
- Further research is needed to establish effective long-term treatments and screening protocols.
- Support groups offer a safe space for individuals and families affected by gambling disorder.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
01:28Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent obsessions, compulsions, or both, which consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions involve persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that evoke anxiety. Common examples include irrational fears of contamination or harm. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For instance, individuals...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...