Gambling is an activity in which something of value is placed on the outcome of a game, race or event. It can include games that involve skill, such as poker, or those that are strictly chance, such as a horse race. It can also involve wagering materials that are not money, such as marbles, chess pieces, Magic: The Gathering trading cards, and collectible figurines. Some forms of gambling have a high degree of risk and may lead to serious problems. The term “disordered gambling” is used to describe a range of behavior from those who have a risk for developing more serious problem-gambling behaviors (subclinical) to those whose symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-4).
In general, a person with a gambling disorder has trouble controlling his or her actions and is preoccupied with gambling. The disorder can cause damage or disruption in a person’s life, including relationships, work, and health. It can be a significant source of stress and can trigger other mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. People with a gambling disorder are often at risk for substance abuse, which can make the problem worse.
Several tools are available to help assess and treat a gambling disorder. Self-report and interview instruments measure various aspects of a person’s gambling behavior, such as a person’s desire to gamble, how much time is spent on gambling, and whether or not it causes distress. These tools can help doctors decide on a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. Medications can be helpful in treating a gambling disorder when combined with psychotherapy.
The DSM-5 categorized gambling disorder as an addictive disorder and defines the symptoms of a gambling disorder as damage or disruption, loss of control, and dependence. In the case of a gambling disorder, the symptoms must be persistent and recurrent and significantly impact a person’s life and functioning. Other symptoms include preoccupation with gambling, escalation of gambling involvement to escape from problems, and chasing losses by attempting to recover previous gambling losses.
A therapist can teach a person with a gambling disorder ways to control his or her impulses and develop healthier, more productive activities. A therapist can also address any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the problem, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. Some types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are specifically designed to treat gambling disorders. In addition, family therapy and marriage, career, and credit counseling can help a person with a gambling disorder repair his or her relationships and finances. Moreover, physical activity can help some people overcome their gambling urges.
