Question
What is Gambling Disorder?
Answer
Gambling Disorder has not always been known as Gambling Disorder. It was added to the DSM III in 1980 as Pathological Gambling and was classified as an impulse control disorder. The criteria for Pathological Gambling were revised in the DSM IV to reflect the similarity of substance dependency with the additional language of repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
In the current edition of the DSM, Pathological Gambling was officially changed to Gambling Disorder. The criteria for Gambling Disorder have continued to evolve and move into a new classification called Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. Gambling disorder now requires four rather than the five criteria for the diagnosis and excludes illegal acts.
Gambling disorder is currently defined as “progressive, persistent, and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting four (or more) of the diagnostic criteria in a 12-month period
- Preoccupation – often fixated on gambling
- Tolerance – need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired outcome
- Withdraw – restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
- Escape – gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve dysphoric mood
- Chasing – after losing money gambling, returning another day in order to get even, win back past losses
- Lying – untruthful with family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
- Loss of control – has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Risked significant relationship – has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, education, or career opportunity because of gambling
- Bailout – relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
In addition, Mania must be ruled out.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Introduction to Gambling Disorder, presented by Heather Moshier, MBA, CAADC, LSW
