Gambling Psychological Disorder
- Gambling addiction and mental illness such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) share a strong genetic and behavioral link according to research studies by Yale University and Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Since people with OCD exhibit patterns of compulsion and repetitiveness, so do problem gamblers.
- A. Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting four (or more) of the following in a 12month period: a.
- According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition, gambling disorder is a condition characterized by persistent problematic gambling behavior that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. Roughly 2 percent of the U.S. Adult population has a gambling disorder, and current estimates of prevalence in the military are even lower, in the range.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition, gambling disorder is a condition characterized by persistent problematic gambling behavior that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. Roughly 2 percent of the U.S. Adult population has a gambling disorder, and current estimates of prevalence in the military are even lower, in the range.
What is Pathological Gambling
Pathological gambling, also known as compulsive gambling or disordered gambling, including harmful physical, psychological and social effects, is a recognized psychiatric illness marked by a history of continued gambling. In this article, we will talk about pathological gambling addiction.
Gambling is a widespread activity. Although the type of games played over the years varies, gambling addiction, which is a challenge in impulse control, persists every term. Nowadays, sports betting games especially played through the internet, are becoming increasingly common. The ability to place, track, and deposit / withdraw… These bets on the internet make it very easy to get addicted.
Individuals with gambling addiction;
- Ponders over gambling (for example, reliving past gambling experiences, blocking or designing the next game, or contemplating ways to raise money for gambling),
- Needs to gamble with large amounts of money to get excited.
- Attempts to control, reduce, or quit gambling many times,
- Uses gambling to avoid problems or to get rid of a negative mood (eg feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression),
- Gambles again to get the lost money.
- Lies to family members, therapists or others to hide how much they are gambling,
- Engages in illegal acts, such as fraud, theft, embezzlement, to provide the money needed to gamble,
- Jeopardizes or loses an important relationship, work or education, or an opportunity to gain success in or from a profession, due to gambling.
Antidepressant, anticonvulsant and antipsychotic drugs that are useful in the treatment of this disorder to provide impulse control. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common herapy. Besides that, environmental regulations, treatments for possible underlying mental disorders and family management are the other reasons.
As march continues, so do does our focus on Problem Gambling Awareness Month. We want to share the importance of learning more about problem gambling as a mental health diagnosable disorder and connecting people in need to care.
Importance of Raising Awareness
Even with all the hard work of the many professionals and agencies across New York State, the US and around the world, many people are still not aware that problem gambling can lead to a diagnosable, treatable mental health disorder called gambling disorder. That was a mouthful! Let’s break that down.
As of 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) included gambling disorder as a diagnosable disorder. This means that there is enough supporting evidence through research and studies, that gambling disorder is not a lack of willpower. Instead, gambling disorder is a mental health condition that can be helped with professional treatment.
Why is this important?
As a mental health disorder, we now know that people who struggle with gambling problems are not weak. They struggle with their gambling just as a person can struggle with drinking. Both the person struggling with gambling disorder and the person struggling with alcoholism are struggling with addiction. Addictions are brain diseases that can be identified and treated by trained professionals.
The fact that gambling disorder can be diagnosed and treated means that we should be connecting those people who are struggling to the help they need. Especially since options for help are becoming more available throughout New York State.
Gambling Disorder is a Mental Illness
Two-thirds of gamblers surveyed reported that their mental health suffered as a result of their gambling. (Nash et al, 2018). In fact, the majority of those experiencing disordered gambling have a lifetime history of a psychiatric disorder. In addition to struggling with gambling:
- Over 60% also have a personality disorder,
- Over 49% also have a mood disorder,
- Over 41% also have an anxiety disorder(Petry et al, 2005), and
- Nearly 37% of those experiencing a gambling problem and 50% of those with disordered gambling have had suicidal thoughts. Over 17% of these individuals have attempted suicide (Moghaddam et al, 2015).
Problem gambling does not just affect the individual who is gambling, but also his or her loved ones.
Supporting Those in Need
Every person struggling with gambling problems affects at least 10 people closest to them. In one study over 90% of those affected by someone else’s gambling behavior reported emotional distress (Nash et al, 2018). So, it only makes sense to offer support to anyone affected by problems that are rooted in gambling. Therefore, there is support available for people struggling with problem gambling, as well as loved ones who are adversely affected by someone else’s gambling.
People who struggle with problem gambling can reach out to their local Problem Gambling Resource Center by visiting NYProblemagamblingHELP.org. People who call are greeted by a resource professional. This professional can assist the caller with understanding the available local resources and services. The services could include an inpatient care center, a one on one clinician, self-help groups, etc. They also offer informational resources for callers to learn more.
Information and Resources
Gambling Psychological Disorders
Additional to reaching out to your local Problem Gambling Resource Center, the New York Council and Problem Gambling (NYCPG) has created a Family Toolkit. This toolkit offers resources and information to learn more about problem gambling. It also covers ways to take care of yourself, and resources to discuss the effects of problem gambling.
As Problem Gambling Awareness Month continues, please feel free to look through the Know The Odds website for information and resources. You can also follow the NYCPG on Facebook and Twitter to be connected with additional statistics and resources as we continue to help people negatively affected by gambling problems.