Gambling Disorder: The First Behavioural Addiction

Abstract

In the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V), pathological gambling has been renamed gambling disorder (GD) and has been reclassified as an addiction rather than an impulse disorder. Recently, this subtle yet important distinction has propelled research efforts centring on the neurobiological underpinnings, treatment and prevention of GD. GD offers a unique lens for examining mechanisms of addiction while controlling for substance effects. This opportunity facilitates the execution of peer-reviewed research on numerous other behavioural addictions that have yet to be legitimized, such as sex and gaming addictions, which have seen an intense push for DSM publication from the psychiatric community. Establishing an effective framework for understanding and treating GD is therefore a unique opportunity for future treatment and diagnosis. This paper examines the similarities and differences between substance abuse disorders and GD, with a focus on the neurobiological underpinnings of both addictions. This is followed by an investigation of psychological comorbidity, as well as the psychosocial implications of GD. Finally, current treatment challenges, treatment methods in development and their limitations are discussed.