Gambling and Use Disorders in Psychology 2020

Lecture 25: Gambling and Use Disorders in Psychology 2020

Introduction to Substance Use Disorders

  • Previous discussions centered around drugs/substances producing use disorders (formerly known as addiction).

  • Not all drugs causing use disorders covered due to time limitations; this includes steroids (recognized in DSM-5 as a use disorder).

Behavioral Addictions

  • Various behaviors discussed as potentially producing addictions:

    • Social media addiction

    • Gaming addiction

    • Sex addiction

    • Exercise addiction

    • Love addiction (distinct from sex addiction)

    • Only gambling recognized by DSM-5 as producing a use disorder.

Definition of Gambling

  • Gambling: Any activity involving risk of losing something significant with uncertain outcomes.

  • Humans historically involved in gambling since at least 3000 BC.

Historical Context of Gambling

  • Various forms of gambling:

    • Dice Games:

    • Current dice games (like craps) trace back to ancient practices using animal bones.

    • "Rolling the bones" referred to this practice.

    • Animal/Human Competitions:

    • Bets made on events like horse racing and gladiatorial contests (notably in ancient Rome).

    • Cards:

    • Originated in China (oldest deck located in the Cloisters museum, New York).

    • Table Games:

    • Roulette originated in Paris (late 1700s).

    • Machines:

    • Slot machines date back to the 1700s; modern video gaming terminals originated later.

    • Casinos:

    • Established in the 1600s, serving as venues for various gambling forms.

Gambling Statistics in Canada

  • Participation Rates:

    • 85% of Canadians have gambled; 65% in the last year.

  • Comparison with Alcohol:

    • 80% of Canadians aged 15+ consumed alcohol in the last year.

  • Problematic Gambling:

    • 3% of gamblers engage at problematic levels.

  • Financial Impact:

    • Canadian gambling industry generates $13 billion annually (vs. $20 billion for alcohol).

    • Increasing gambling activities juxtaposed with declining alcohol consumption.

Demographics and Trends in Gambling

  • Gender differences: Gambling slightly more common in men (70%) than women (60%), with overall participation at 65%.

  • Age disparities: Older individuals engage more in lotteries; younger individuals in video gaming.

  • Regional variance: Higher gambling problem rates correlate with more available gambling opportunities.

  • Rapid gambling activities (like slot machines) linked with greater likelihood of problems.

Diagnostic Criteria for Gambling Use Disorder

  • Criteria adapted under DSM-5: Requires persistent gambling behavior leading to impairment/distress, with at least four symptoms necessary for diagnosis over 12 months.

  • Categories:

    • Mild: 4-5 criteria met

    • Moderate: 6-7 criteria met

    • Severe: 8+ criteria met

  • Symptoms include:

    • Increased need to gamble (tolerance).

    • Irritability when attempting to cut down (withdrawal).

    • Preoccupation with gambling.

    • Gambling to relieve distress.

    • Chasing losses.

    • Concealing involvement.

    • Jeopardizing relationships.

    • Relying on others for financial support.

Transition from Impulse Control Disorder to Use Disorder

  • The transition occurred based on biological evidence and shared characteristics with substance use disorders, such as:-

    • Dopamine release associated with gambling behavior.

    • Cravings evident when exposed to gambling stimuli.

Comorbidity and Psychological Factors

  • Relationship with other psychiatric disorders:

    • Up to 90% of individuals with gambling use disorder also have at least one other psychiatric disorder (common ones include mood and anxiety disorders).

  • Personality characteristics:

    • Impulsivity and negative urgency prevalent in both gambling and substance use disorders.

Treatment for Gambling Use Disorder

  • Low treatment-seeking behavior (only about 10% seek treatment).

  • Current lack of FDA-approved treatments; attempts made with drugs like SSRIs, but no effective medications established.

Conclusion

  • Gambling remains a significant topic in the study of use disorders, drawing parallels with substance-related issues. Future consideration of recognizing further behaviors as potential use disorders might occur based on emerging evidence.

End of Lecture 25

Note: Students are encouraged to explore additional literature on gambling use disorder for a broader understanding.