Update on pathological gambling

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2006 Feb;8(1):53-8. doi: 10.1007/s11920-006-0081-4.

Abstract

Pathological gambling (PG) is a significant public health concern associated with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and mortality. Although research into the biology of PG is still in an early stage, recent advances in our understanding of motivation, reward, and addiction have provided substantial insight into the possible pathophysiology of this disorder. In addition, over the past 5 years, extraordinary progress has been made in the area of clinical research examining treatments for PG. Although PG is a disabling disorder that continues to represent a clinical challenge for the healthcare professional, our current knowledge of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions offers potentially effective treatment options.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behavior, Addictive / physiopathology
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Behavior, Addictive / rehabilitation
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Corpus Striatum / physiopathology
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / physiopathology
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / psychology*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Frontal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Mesencephalon / physiopathology
  • Motivation
  • Nerve Net / physiopathology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Reward

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Dopamine