Gambling Disorder

WHAT IS GAMBLING DISORDER?

Gambling, in simple term, means betting on something valuable in the hope of receiving or winning more. Gambling disorder is also known as compulsive gambling disorder, as the same suggests it is an uncontrollable compulsive urge to gamble irrespective of its effect on one’s life, family and their belongings. It is characterized by the uncontrollable and persistent urge to gamble repeatedly which causes distress and impairment to the person and those around them. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edn) (DSM-5) recognizes Gambling disorder as one of the behavioural addiction.

Research suggests that there are several genetical and environment factors that can lead to compulsive gambling, many times it goes unrecognized and untreated which might cause further problems in the future (Potenza et al., 2019)

CAUSES FOR THE DISORDER

The research done on Gambling Disorder is limited and hence, the causes for the disorder are not defined through scientific research. However, there are several risk factors associated with it:

• Substance Abuse: As gambling is also considered as an addiction, it is no surprise that researchers have found connection between gambling and substance abuse. The combination of both can become an intense cycle, which becomes difficult to overcome.
• Psychological Disorders: Apart from substance abuse, people with gambling disorder might also have other comorbid disorders such as- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Personality Disorders and Bipolar Disorder.
• Peer Influence: Influence from friends and family can increase chances of the person getting addicted to gambling. There are considerably high changes of one engaging in gambling if someone close to them also indulges in the same.
•  Some Personality characteristics are also associated with the chances of gambling disorder. Motivation for being highly competitive, restlessness, impulsivity are some of the few characteristics.
• Certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are also found to be responsible, however, research done is limited and not conclusive.

CONSEQUENCES OF LONG-TERM GAMBLING

Gambling Disorder can leave a lasting consequence on one’s life and it can also become severe.

• It can put strain in relationships and cause problems. It can also lead to divorce, rejection from the family and lack of social support from those close to the person.
• Gambling disorder can lead to severe financial problems and even bankruptcy.
• People might take wrong steps when suffering from the disorder which might eventually lead to legal issues or imprisonment.
• It reduces the general health of the individual which might lead to lower work performance or even getting fired from work.
• The person might also have suicidal tendencies.

TREATMENT

Gambling Disorder generally goes unnoticed and under recorded as people do not consider it as a disorder but as the personal choice of the individual. Hence, it is extremely important to understand the problem as and when it arises and seek professional help. Along with the support of loved one’s and a motivation to overcome the problem can aid the therapy process.

REFERENCES

• Gambling Disorder(Potenza et al.,2019) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-019-0099-7
•  Diagnosis, neurobiology and treatment for pathological gambling (DeCaria et al., 1996) https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1996-06776-013
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/syc-20355178