Pathological gambling
Alternate Names : Gambling - compulsive, Compulsive gambling, Addictive gambling
Definition
Pathological gambling is being unable to resist impulses to gamble, which can lead to severe personal or social consequences.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pathological gambling usually begins in early adolescence in men, and between ages 20 and 40 in women. Pathological gambling often involves repetitive behaviors. People with this problem have a hard time resisting or controlling the impulse to gamble. Although it shares features of obsessive compulsive disorder, pathological gambling is likely a different condition.
In people who develop pathological gambling, occasional gambling leads to a gambling habit. Stressful situations can worsen gambling problems.
|
