Gambling

Abstract

Over the past several decades, and particularly during the last 10 to 15 years, there has been a rapid increase in the accessibility of legalized gambling in the United States and other parts of the world. Few studies have systematically explored the relationships between patterns of gambling and health status. Existing data support the notion that some gambling behaviors, particularly problem and pathological gambling, are associated with nongambling health problems. The purpose of this article is to provide a perspective on the relationship between gambling behaviors and substance use disorders, review the data regarding health associations and screening and treatment options for problem and pathological gambling, and suggest a role for generalist physicians in assessing problem and pathological gambling. A rationale for conceptualization of pathological gambling as an addictive disorder and a model proposing stress as a possible mediating factor in the relationship between gambling and health status are presented. More research is needed to investigate directly the biological and health correlates associated with specific types of gambling behaviors and to define the role for generalist physicians in the prevention and treatment of problem and pathological gambling.

Mapping the prevalence of problem gambling and its association with treatment accessibility and proximity to gambling venues

“…The results of the present study showing the link between poorer health status and problem gambling confirm these associations in a large representative community sample and go further by showing this association to be independent of cooccurring mental disorders or substance abuse. Explanations for this association focus on the role of stress as a mediating factor (e.g., Potenza, Fiellin, Heninger, Rounsaville, & Mazure, 2002), although a recent study by Scherrer et al (2005) shows the important role of both genetic and family environment. Regardless of the underlying mechanisms, the results suggest the need for programs and professionals providing treatment for problem gamblers to assess physical health status and incorporate the results into treatment plans.…”

Sleep and Gambling Severity in a Community Sample of Gamblers

“…7–9 They are associated with headaches, 10 arthritis, angina, 8,11 physiological stress, 12,13 increased fatigue, 14 and comorbid psychiatric or substance related disorders. 15,16 Disordered gamblers also tend to use more medical services, 8 are at a higher risk for suicidal ideations and attempts, 17,18 and have a decreased quality of life.…”

Yohimbine-Induced Amygdala Activation in Pathological Gamblers: A Pilot Study

“…The overall lifetime prevalence of problem and/or pathological gambling (PG) in the general adult population is about 5% [2], [3] and its annual cost to the American society as a result of crime, decreased productivity and bankruptcies approximates $54 billion [4]. These figures likely underestimate the problems associated with PG because this is a more ‘silent’ addiction without characteristic symptoms of intoxication, needles' marks, or overdose, and therefore may only become apparent relatively late in the addiction process with the emergence of devastating and irreversible consequences, including attempted suicide in up to 24% of untreated individuals [4]–[6]. Hence, to improve diagnosis and treatment of PG it is important to identify its objective markers and their underlying neurobiology.…”