Diagnosis and Treatment of Gambling Addiction

Abstract

Gambling disorder (GD) is a relatively rare psychiatric concern that may carry substantial individual, familial, and societal harms. GD often presents complex challenges, with high prevalence in adolescents and young adults. GD often co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders, complicating treatment. GD has multiple biopsychosocial contributions, with genetic, environmental, and psychological factors implicated. Advances in neuroimaging and neurochemistry offer insights into the neurobiology of GD. GD diagnostic criteria have evolved, although identification often remains challenging given shame, stigma, ambivalence regarding treatment and limited screening. Because many people with GD do not receive treatment, identification (screening and treatment outreach) and therapeutic (behavioral, neuromodulatory, and pharmacological) approaches warrant increased consideration and development..