alcoholism
How to Recognize Pathological Gambling
The DSM IV (the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) classifies compulsive gambling as an impulse control disorder and lists ten behaviors to guide psychotherapists in their diagnoses. These behaviors include preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, escape, lying, loss of control, and risking significant relationships, among others, due to gambling. Again, an accurate diagnosis is usually dependent on gamblers being forthcoming about their behaviors, for, as noted above, gamblers are prone to misrepresent their activities, motivations, and gambling losses. So, a pathological gambler will exhibit — but not necessarily admit to — at least five of the following ten behaviors:
- Is preoccupied with gambling (i.e., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).
- Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
- Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
- Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or relieving dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression).
- After losing money gambling, often returns another day in order to get even ("chasing one's losses").
- Lies to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
- Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
- Has committed illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement) in order to finance gambling.
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
- Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling. 1
Background Information
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