Problem Gambling

Problem gambling, also known as pathological gambling, gambling disorder, gambling addiction, irresponsible gambling or ludomania, is repetitive gambling behavior despite harm and negative consequences, and may be diagnosed as a mental disorder under the DSM-5 if diagnostic criteria are met; it is a common disorder with substantial social and family costs. The DSM-5 reclassified the condition as an addictive disorder because those affected share many similarities with people who have substance use disorders, including activation of the brain's reward mechanism and dopamine release that reinforces repetitive behavior and loss of control; research suggests the relationship between pathological gambling and substance use disorders is closer than that between gambling and obsessive-compulsive disorder, since gambling and most substance use disorders activate reward mechanisms while obsessive-compulsive disorder is driven by overactive fear signals. Problem gambling has a high comorbidity with alcohol problems, and impulsivity is a common trait among those affected.