Pathological Gambling
Pathological gambling is one of five Impulse Control Disorders (ICD) and is defined as an inability to
resist impulses to gamble despite disruption to personal relationships or work relationships. By contrast, a gambling addiction is about dependency, professional gambling is about money, and social gambling is about socialising. A person who pathologically gambles is preoccupied with gambling, seeks a state of euphoria from it, and experiences irritability and restlessness when attempting to cut down or stop.
Symptoms of Pathological Gambling
Causes of Pathological Gambling
Pathological gambling may be seen as an escape from a dysphoric mood such as anxiety, depression, guilt, or helplessness. Pathological gambling may be related to Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), boredom, competitiveness, confidence, control, denial, other Impulse Control Disorders (ICD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder, power, stress, substance abuse or dependence, superstitions, Suicidal Thoughts, Suicide Attempts, or workaholism.Disclaimer: All content within the RSCPP website is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice of a doctor, counsellor, psychoanalyst, psychologist or psychotherapist who you should always consult if you are concerned about your mental health. RSCPP is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content within the RSCPP website or for any service provided by a doctor, counsellor, psychoanalyst, psychologist or psychotherapist. All content copyright © RSCPP Ltd 2007-2013.
