Abstract
It was almost two decades ago that I welcomed my first patient who was diagnosed with a so-called ‘Impulse Control Disorder’. He presented a range of symptoms suitable for a panic disorder and was treated for a couple of months in an anxiety disorders clinic. However, his biggest secret was revealed only after a couple of sessions with his therapist. He explained to me that all of his problems are caused by his gambling behavior and his consequent enormous debts. He also explained how terrified he was of his family's reaction and his way of coping with those debts. As recommended in the early 90s literature, I maintained his treatment with antidepressants (specifically, one of the earliest SSRI's) but saw no improvement in his gambling behavior. I've realized that gambling behaviors specifically and other so-called Impulse Control Disorders in general require serious research in order to understand the psychopathology and relevant treatment regimens that would yield better outcomes.
Highlights
He presented a range of symptoms suitable for a panic disorder and was treated for a couple of months in an anxiety disorders clinic. His biggest secret was revealed only after a couple of sessions with his therapist. He explained to me that all of his problems are caused by his gambling behavior and his consequent enormous debts
As recommended in the early 90s literature, I maintained his treatment with antidepressants but saw no improvement in his gambling behavior
For the past 15 years researchers from all over the world working in the field of impulse control disorders have provided us with enormous amounts of new information
Summary
For the past 15 years researchers from all over the world working in the field of impulse control disorders have provided us with enormous amounts of new information. It was almost two decades ago that I welcomed my first patient who was diagnosed with a so-called ‘Impulse Control Disorder’. He explained to me that all of his problems are caused by his gambling behavior and his consequent enormous debts.
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