What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Compulsive gambling
• Addictive gambling

What is Pathological Gambling? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pathological gambling is a psychological condition in which a person is unable to resist the urge to gamble.
• If pathological gambling grows and becomes difficult to control, major social, personal, and financial consequences are likely to occur that will destroy all parts of life. While it is difficult to seek treatment for pathological gambling, with the help of professionals many people are able to regain control of their lives.

Who gets Pathological Gambling? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Men and women are susceptible to pathological gambling.
• In males, pathological gambling usually begins during adolescence.
• In females, pathological gambling usually begins between the age of 20 and 40.

What are the Risk Factors for Pathological Gambling? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors of pathological gambling include:

• Certain behavior disorders
• Certain mood disorders
• Family history of gambling problems
• Highly competitive personality
• Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pathological Gambling? (Etiology)

• Currently, the exact cause of pathological gambling is unknown.
• It is believed that pathological gambling stems from a combination of biological, environmental, and genetic factors.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pathological Gambling?

The American Psychiatric Association defines pathological gambling as having five or more of the following symptoms:

• Committing crimes to get money to gamble
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back or quit gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or feelings of sadness or anxiety
• Gambling larger amounts of money to try to make back past losses
• Losing a job, relationship, education, or career opportunity due to gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Making many unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit gambling
• Needing to borrow money due to gambling losses
• Needing to gamble larger amounts of money in order to feel excitement
• Spending a lot of time thinking about gambling, such as remembering a past experience or ways to get more money with which to gamble

How is Pathological Gambling Diagnosed?

• In order to diagnose pathological gambling, five or more of the above symptoms must be present.
• Screening tools like the Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions are often used to help with the diagnosis.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pathological Gambling?

• Many complications can arise from pathological gambling if it goes untreated. These complications can include:
  • Alcohol problems
  • Drug abuse
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Financial, social, legal problems
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Job loss 

How is Pathological Gambling Treated?

• The most important step of treating pathological gambling is recognizing that the problem exists.
• Once the person has accepted the fact that they have pathological gambling, a variety of treatment options are available. These include:
  • Psychotherapy
  • Self-help support groups
  • Medications (antidepressants, opioid antagonists) 

How can Pathological Gambling be Prevented?

• Limiting one’s exposure to gambling can reduce the likelihood that pathological gambling will develop.
• It is also important to avoid gambling if any risk factors that increase the likelihood of pathological gambling are present. 

What is the Prognosis of Pathological Gambling? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Without proper treatment, pathological gambling is likely to worsen and cause growing amounts of destruction in a person’s life.
• While relapse is possible even with treatment, it is important to continue to receive treatment. Most individuals are eventually able to stop their pathological gambling problems are return to their normal lives.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pathological Gambling:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/emotional-well-being/