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Compulsive gambling

Definition:
An inability to resist impulses to gamble, leading to severe personal or social consequences.

Alternative Names:
Gambling - compulsive; Pathological gambling; Addictive gambling

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pathological gambling affects 1-3% of adults, men more often than women. It usually begins in adolescence in men and later in women.

This behavior usually progresses from occasional gambling to habitual gambling. The urge to gamble becomes so great that the tension can only be relieved by more gambling. Higher stakes and personal risks become involved, as well as neglect of other interests, family, and work. Severe family problems, financial ruin, and criminal behavior to support the gambling habit may result. The cause for this behavior is not known. One risk factor may be excessive alcohol use which lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment.



Review Date: 12/11/2001
Reviewed By: Benoit Dubé, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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