In the study of addiction, attentional bias refers to the observation that substance-related cues tend to capture the attention of experienced substance users. Attentional bias is a cognitive intermediate in the conditioned association between drug-related cues, craving, and relapse. Numerous studies have documented the existence of attentional bias for cues associated with substances. By contrast, few studies have investigated attentional bias in individuals with pathological gambling (PG) or problematic gambling. In this study, we sought to assess attentional bias at the level of maintenance of attention in a sample of pathological gamblers. Twenty-three pathological gamblers and 21 healthy volunteers performed the Visual Probe Task to compare attentional bias with gambling-related cues between individuals with PG and healthy volunteers. The measured of attentional bias was based on their reaction times (RTs) to probes replacing neutral and gambling-related cues (images). Second, we examined the correlation between PG severity and degree of attentional bias among individuals with PG. Results show that pathological gamblers, but not healthy volunteers, had attentional bias for gambling-related cues with exposure times that assess maintenance of attention. There was no correlation between PG severity and degree of attentional bias. Theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed.

Individuals with early-onset versus later-onset pathological gambling differ in several socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, but not in their preferred types of game. Individuals from more recent cohorts appear to be at significantly increased risk for developing early-onset pathological gambling.

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RationaleGray's theory of personality distinguishes two personality dimensions: Behavioral Activation System (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS). This construct has been widely used in the field of addictions and the study of impulsivity. BIS and BAS can be measured using the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). This questionnaire has been carried out in cross-sectional studies related to alcohol misuse, eating disorders, pathological gambling and cannabis misuse.ObjectivesTo study Sensitivity to Reward and Sensitivity to Punishment as factors that could predict the development of Alcohol Dependence.Methods380 subjects completed the SPSRQ at the beginning of the study and were followed-up for 4 years. At this point, participants completed a protocol that assessed drinking-related variables and drinking patterns. Statistic was performed using regression analysis.ResultsLow scores obtained in the Reward Sensitivity Subscale was a significant predictor for developing an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). High scores obtained in the Punishment Sensitivity Subscale were not significantly related to the subsequent development of an AUD.ConclusionsLow scores obtained in the Reward Sensitivity Subscale predict a higher risk for the development of Alcohol Dependence. This could be due to more difficulties that these individuals exhibit, despite the negative consequences, when they have to inhibit their seeking behavior and intake of alcohol.