Gambling Pathology in Primary Care
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event whose outcome depends on chance. This can include placing a bet on the outcome of a sporting event or buying a scratchcard. Some people become so involved in gambling that it becomes a serious problem. This can have negative effects on their personal, social, and financial lives. It can also be a significant source of anxiety and depression. It is important to seek treatment for underlying mood disorders when trying to overcome compulsive gambling.
Although many people enjoy recreational gambling, a small group of individuals becomes so involved that it negatively affects their life. These individuals are often referred to as pathological gamblers. They continue to gamble despite significant negative personal, social, and financial consequences. They may also experience a range of psychological symptoms, including denial, guilt, and anxiety.
Several studies suggest that pathological gambling can be treated with psychotherapy and/or medications. However, it is difficult to evaluate patients for this disorder within a general medical setting because of its lack of specificity. To address this issue, a literature review was conducted using the Medline database from 1966 to 2001. The search criteria included the use of the MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) word “gambling” and “addiction.”
The results of this literature review suggest that there is a growing role for evaluating patients for gambling pathology in a primary care setting. This is in part due to the increased prevalence of this activity as well as its link to a variety of health risks and problems. It is also because of the similarities between pathological gambling and substance abuse.
Some risk factors for developing a gambling problem include age (older adults tend to be more attracted to gambling) and gender (men are more likely to develop a gambling problem than women). Other risk factors include a history of family alcohol or other drug misuse, a desire for sensation-seeking activities, and a need for novelty and stimulation. It is also important to consider a person’s lifestyle when assessing for a gambling problem, as a healthy diet and exercise are also associated with a lower likelihood of developing a gambling problem. People with a gambling problem often feel the need to be secretive about their activities and lie about them to family members and friends. They may also feel a need to “chase” their losses by increasing their bets in the hopes of recovering lost money. In addition, they may have a tendency to engage in other reckless behavior, such as cheating or stealing, to fund their gambling habit. Finally, they may have a high rate of suicidal ideation or depression. This is particularly common in advanced cases of pathological gambling. It is recommended that physicians screen for a gambling problem by asking about gambling behaviors and offering support and guidance. By framing the question as a health matter rather than an inquiry into lifestyle, resistance to help-seeking is decreased. Moreover, by offering a range of options for assistance, it is possible to increase the likelihood of success.
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event whose outcome depends on chance. This can include placing a bet on the outcome of a sporting event or buying a scratchcard. Some people become so involved in gambling that it becomes a serious problem. This can have negative effects on their personal, social,…