What is pathological gambling behaviour?

Pathological gambling behaviour is listed under the accepted international mental disorder classification systems (ICD-11 and DSM-5) and recognised as a disease that requires treatment. It manifests in the form of persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behaviour, which continues despite negative social concomitants. The symptoms of pathological gambling behaviour include permanent loss of control, unsuccessful attempts to limit or permanently stop gaming, and withdrawal symptoms. Diverging from this, the so-called gambling disorder is defined as conspicuous gambling behaviour with no significant pathology.

According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), pathological gambling behaviour is indicated if a person exhibits at least four of the following criteria within a period of at least twelve months:

  1. needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement;
  2. is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling;
  3. has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling;
  4. is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble);
  5. frequently gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression);
  6. after losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses);
  7. lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling;
  8. has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling;
  9. relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling.

How do problems arise from gambling?

There are no specific, clearly definable causes of gambling disorder and pathological gambling behaviour. However, various risk factors exist. Should an unfavourable combination of several of these risk factors arise, an individual gambling-related problem may develop.

Whether a person is at increased risk of developing gambling disorder or pathological gambling behaviour is influenced by several individual factors, for example:

  • a possible genetic predisposition,
  • traumatic experiences and stresses in life history,
  • current stress and crisis situations,
  • individual traits such as impulsive behaviour or difficulties in dealing with conflicts.

These symptoms can, but do not necessarily, lead to the development of gambling disorder or pathological gambling behaviour.

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