scholarly journals The association of at-risk, problem, and pathological gambling with substance use, depression, and arrest history

2010 ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra L. Momper ◽  
Jorge Delva ◽  
Andrew Grogan-Kaylor ◽  
Ninive Sanchez ◽  
Rachel A. Volberg
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Bivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
Problem Or Pathological Gambling

We examined at-risk, problem, or pathological gambling co-occurrence with frequency of past-year alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use; depressive symptoms; and arrest history. Data included the responses of over 3,000 individuals who participated in a 2006 telephone survey designed to understand the extent of at-risk, problem, and pathological gambling; comorbidity levels with substance use; mental health; and social problems among Southwestern U.S. residents. Data were analyzed with multinomial and bivariate logistic regression. Respondents at risk for problem gambling were more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana than those respondents not at risk. Pathological gamblers were no more or less likely to consume alcohol or tobacco than were non-gamblers or those not at risk. A dose-response relationship existed between degree of gambling problems and depressive symptoms and arrest history. Interventions for at-risk or problem gamblers need to include substance use treatment, and the phenomenon of low levels of substance use among pathological gamblers needs further exploration.

Attentional bias in pathological gambling. A review

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 120-120
Author(s):  
E.J.V. Vizcaino ◽  
M.M. Mayor ◽  
I.M. Gras ◽  
G.P. Alfaro ◽  
G.R. Valladolid
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Attentional Bias ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cognitive Dimension ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Modified Stroop ◽  
Emotional Dimension ◽  
Dsm Iv

RationalePathological gambling (PG) is a relatively prevalent psychiatric disorder, which is included in the category of Impulse Control Disorders of the DSM-IV TR. It's prevalence is 1%. Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter involved in it. Attentional bias (AB) is a phenomenon whereby attentional channelling is directed toward personally valued stimuli, despite an individual's efforts to ignore them. AB have been previously described in several Substance Use Disorders (SUD) such as alcoholism and cocaine use disorders.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the current evidence of the presence of AB associated to PG.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in PubMed (1980-Present) to identify publications that examined the existence of AB in PG.ResultsTo date, two studies have found the existence of an AB in pathological gamblers. Both studies have been performed using a modified Stroop procedure, and report that gamblers show an automatic interference when naming the color of gambling-related words.ConclusionsPG could be conceptualized as an addictive behavior and we can hypothesize a link between addiction and automaticity. There is a relationship between AB (cognitive dimension) and subjective craving (emotional dimension), so that high levels of craving can be both, a cause of, and a consequence of, an elevation of AB of gambling-related cues. Even so, there is little research in this field to date. Further studies are warranted using new paradigms for the assessment of AB in PG.

Association of Pathological Gambling with Depression in Scotland

2006 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crawford Moodie ◽  
Frances Finnigan
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Small Community ◽  
South Oaks Gambling Screen ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cluster Design

As most research concerning gambling and depression has been conducted on clinical populations, the present study examined the relationship between gambling and depression across a large sample in Scotland in higher education and the community. A questionnaire-based cluster design involved the distribution of the South Oaks Gambling Screen and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale mainly to students and staff of higher educational establishments, with small community and gambling samples also included. Thirty-seven colleges and universities across Scotland participated in the research, with a sample of 2,259 people aged sixteen years of age or over ( M = 28.9 yr., SD = 13.4) being obtained. It was found that past-year probable pathological gamblers had significantly higher depression than problem gamblers, nonproblem gamblers, and nongamblers. However, when probable pathological gamblers who had sought treatment were omitted from the analysis, the nontreatment-seeking probable pathological gambling group no longer had significantly higher depression than the problem gambling group. Female problem and probable pathological gamblers had particularly high depressive symptomatology, suggesting comorbid depression may be a prominent feature of problematic female gambling.

Gambling and Problem Gambling Within Forensic Populations

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 665-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Williams ◽  
Jennifer Royston ◽  
Brad F. Hagen
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Criminal Offenders ◽  
Specialized Treatment ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Problem Or Pathological Gambling ◽  
Do So

A review of problem gambling in forensic populations suggests that one third of criminal offenders meet criteria for problem or pathological gambling. This is the highest rate yet found in any population. Approximately 50% of crime by incarcerated problem and pathological gamblers is reportedly committed to support gambling. The prevalence of gambling within correctional facilities (40%) appears lower than in the general population. However, inmates who do gamble tend to do so regularly, and problem and pathological gamblers are disproportionately represented among this group. Inmate screening for problem gambling and provision of specialized treatment are currently lacking in most correctional facilities. In addition to more screening and treatment, there needs to be greater vigilance in detecting gambling and enforcing its prohibition.

scholarly journals A neurocognitive comparison of cognitive flexibility and response inhibition in gamblers with varying degrees of clinical severity

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2111-2119 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Odlaug ◽  
S. R. Chamberlain ◽  
S. W. Kim ◽  
L. R. N. Schreiber ◽  
J. E. Grant
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Substance Addiction ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Axis I

BackgroundAs a behavioral addiction with clinical and phenomenological similarities to substance addiction, recreational and pathological gambling represent models for studying the neurobiology of addiction, without the confounding deleterious brain effects which may occur from chronic substance abuse.MethodA community sample of individuals aged 18–65 years who gamble was solicited through newspaper advertising. Subjects were grouped a priori into three groups (no-risk, at-risk, and pathological gamblers) based on a diagnostic interview. All subjects underwent a psychiatric clinical interview and neurocognitive tests assessing motor impulsivity and cognitive flexibility. Subjects with a current axis I disorder, history of brain injury/trauma, or implementation or dose changes of psychoactive medication within 6 weeks of study enrollment were excluded.ResultsA total of 135 no-risk, 69 at-risk and 46 pathological gambling subjects were assessed. Pathological gamblers were significantly older, and exhibited significant deficiencies in motor impulse control (stop-signal reaction times), response speed (median ‘go’ trial response latency) and cognitive flexibility [total intra-dimensional/extra-dimensional (IDED) errors] versus controls. The finding of impaired impulse control and cognitive flexibility was robust in an age-matched subgroup analysis of pathological gamblers. The no-risk and at-risk gambling groups did not significantly differ from each other on task performance.ConclusionsImpaired response inhibition and cognitive flexibility exist in people with pathological gambling compared with no-risk and at-risk gamblers. The early identification of such illness in adolescence or young adulthood may aid in the prevention of addiction onset of such disabling disorders.

scholarly journals The role of self-reported impulsivity and reward sensitivity versus neurocognitive measures of disinhibition and decision-making in the prediction of relapse in pathological gamblers

2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Goudriaan ◽  
J. Oosterlaan ◽  
E. De Beurs ◽  
W. Van Den Brink
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Classification Accuracy ◽  
Reward Sensitivity ◽  
Addictive Behaviors ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Neurocognitive Measures ◽  
Prediction Of Relapse

BackgroundDisinhibition and decision-making skills play an important role in theories on the cause and outcome of addictive behaviors such as substance use disorders and pathological gambling. In recent studies, both disinhibition and disadvantageous decision-making strategies, as measured by neurocognitive tests, have been found to influence the course of substance use disorders. Research on factors affecting relapse in pathological gambling is scarce.MethodThis study investigated the effect of both self-reported impulsivity and reward sensitivity, and neurocognitively assessed disinhibition and decision-making under conflicting contingencies, on relapse in a group of 46 pathological gamblers.ResultsLogistic regression analysis indicated that longer duration of the disorder and neurocognitive indicators of disinhibition (Stop Signal Reaction Time) and decision-making (Card Playing Task) were significant predictors of relapse (explaining 53% of the variance in relapse), whereas self-reported impulsivity and reward sensitivity did not significantly predict relapse. Overall classification accuracy was 76%, with a positive classification accuracy of 76% and a negative classification accuracy of 75%.ConclusionsDuration of the disorder and neurocognitive measures of disinhibition and decision-making are powerful predictors of relapse in pathological gambling. The results suggest that endophenotypical neurocognitive characteristics are more promising in the prediction of relapse in pathological gambling than phenotypical personality characteristics. Neurocognitive predictors may be useful to guide treatment planning of follow-up contacts and booster sessions.

scholarly journals "Double trouble": The lived experience of problem and pathological gambling in later life

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Nixon ◽  
Jason Solowoniuk ◽  
Brad Hagen ◽  
Robert J. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Traditional Roles ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Problem Or Pathological Gambling

Objective: The objective of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of older adults who engage in problem or pathological gambling. Method and sample: Older adults who gambled were recruited and were administered two gambling screens to ensure that they met the criteria for problem or pathological gambling. Eleven problem-pathological gamblers were identified and contributed their narratives via in-depth interviews about their experiences of problem or pathological gambling. Results: Several themes arising from the interviews were similar to patterns identified with younger gamblers, yet distinct patterns emerged. Some older gamblers gamble as an opportunity to break away and escape from traditional roles and go to extreme measures to continue their gambling while hiding it from significant others. Conclusion: Despite research suggesting few seniors encounter problems with gambling, this qualitative study suggests that gambling can have devastating consequences. Older adults may have lessened ability and time to recover from these consequences or from hitting bottom. Key words: gambling, narrative, older adults, problem-pathological gambling, phenomenology, aged

scholarly journals Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. L. Shek ◽  
Elda M. L. Chan ◽  
Ryan H. Y. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Axis I

Problem gambling is complex and often comorbid with other mental health problems. Unfortunately, gambling studies on comorbid psychiatric disorders among Chinese communities are extremely limited. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers; (b) compare the demographic profiles and clinical features of pathological gamblers with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders; (c) explore the associations between pathological gambling and psychiatric disorders and their temporal relationship. Participants (N=201) who sought gambling counseling were examined by making Axis-I diagnoses including mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder. Results showed that 63.7% of participants had lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorder. The most common comorbid psychiatric mental disorders were mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and substance use disorders. Pathological gamblers with psychiatric comorbidities were significantly more severe in psychopathology, psychosocial functioning impairment, and gambling problems than those without the disorders.

Psychiatric Comorbidity in Pathological Gambling: A Critical Review

1998 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Neil Crockford ◽  
Nady el-Guebaly
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Antisocial Personality Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Comorbidity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Antisocial Personality ◽  
Pathological Gamblers

Objective: To critically review the current literature on pathological gambling as regards the significant psychiatric comorbidities associated with it. Method: The authors synthesized information found via electronic searches (MEDLINE) and bibliographic-directed searches in over 60 publications. Results: Pathological gamblers frequently have comorbid substance use disorders. In addition, a subset appear to have comorbid antisocial personality disorder, but they represent a minority when compared with those people who have acquired their antisocial traits as a consequence of their gambling behaviour. A comorbidity with the mood disorders is probable, but methodological concerns and inconsistencies with the data prevent further delineation of this. Emerging research for other disorders possibly associated with pathological gambling is also reviewed. Conclusion: Pathological gambling is associated with significant psychiatric comorbidity. Recommendations for future research are described.

Clarifying the at-risk label: A commentary

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blas_ Gambino
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
False Negatives ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
Risk Concept

The at-risk concept is described and its use in the literature on pathological gambling is discussed. An epidemiologic perspective is proposed and the use of risk, at-risk, and not-at-risk are discussed within this framework. It is shown that within the epidemiologic framework the concept of risk applies to nongamblers as well as gamblers, and some nongamblers are theoretically at risk. An example of the application of risk is provided within the context of smoking and the meaning of risk. The frequent assignment of gamblers with scores of 1 or 2 into the same category as those who score 0 is viewed as problematic and is discussed in terms of true negatives and false negatives and the likelihood of pathological gambling among these gamblers. The need for researchers to identify the determinants and indicators of risk is stressed.

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