Pathological Gambling

Category

Impulse Control Disorders

Etiology

There is an association with risk in pathological gambling, more so than financial gain for most individuals. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder are frequently highly competitive, overly concerned with approval from others and prone to other ‘addictive’ type disorders.

Symptoms

Persistent and maladaptive pattern of gambling which causes difficulties with interpersonal, financial, and vocational functioning.

Treatment

The most effective treatment has developed through adaptation of the Alcoholics Anonymous model to treat alcohol and drug addictions.

Prognosis

Prognosis varies depending on the individual. Some argue that there is no cure for this disorder (much like alcoholism), but that prolonged or continual abstinence is possible.