An addiction generally has 4 properties ; (1) craving, (2) compilation, (3) loss of control, (4) continuing the behavior inspite of associated adverse consequences. Not all addiction like alcohol, heroin, cocaine, LSD or other substance induced addictions contain all four. But Pathological Gambling jas all of these properties but does not involve an ingested substance. In 1980, it was first recognized in DSM-III & classified as a disorder of impulse control.
Pathological gambling is the most extreme form of the problem gambling, the condition in which gambling activities create problems ina person's life & relationship. Although there are social gamblers, found in many casinos, participate in gambling activities without harmful effects. About 0.5% - 1.5% of adults are estimated to be pathological gamblers. Many clinicians see significant similarities between pathological gambling & substance abuse disorder and in fact 48% of pathological gamblers also documented alcohol & drug abuse problems.
Pathological gambling is persistent & recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior that disrupts personal, family or vocational aspect of a person's life. The adjacent pic shows the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. To be classified as a pathological gambler, a person must have at least 5 of these characteristics. The impact of pathological gambling may not be readily apparent, since many of its consequences like financial problem & marital discord remain out of public view. It typically begins in early adolescence in male & later in life in females. Pattern may be regular or episodic but problem is usually chronic.
There is generally a progression in the frequency & preoccupation with gambling. The urge to gamble generally increases during periods of stress or depression. Pathological gamblers tend to see gambling as a solution to any problem. Mental health professionals with special training in dealing gambling problems can treat a pathological gambler in effective way. Though therapies like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy have been used for pathological gamblers, there's a paucity of scientific studies about their effectiveness.
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