The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

The WAGER, Vol 1(31) - Are Impulse-Control Disorders Related to Bipolar Disorders?

Pathological gambling is classified by the DSM-IV as an impulse-control disorder (ICD). Diagnos­ticians broadly define ICDs as mental disorders characterized by harmful behaviors performed in response to irresistible impulses. A recent investigation hypothesized that ICDs may be closely related to bipolar disorders. Periods of mania or hypomania, usually alternating or occurring with periods of depres­sion, characterize bipolar disorders. These two types of disorders share similarities in comorbidity, phenomenology, course, family history, biology, and treatment response. Similarities in comorbidity were examined by a recent review of 11 (uncontrolled) studies of ICDs. This review revealed that these condi­tions evidence comorbidity with one... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol 1(30) - Treating Pathological Gamblers With Medication

Although most treatment approaches for problem gambling primarily involve psychody­namic and behavioral interventions, research also suggests that some patients will benefit from pharmacological intervention. Drug treatments that may benefit patients with pathological gambling disorders include clomipramine1, lithium carbonate2, and carbamazepine3. Large-scale randomized clinical trials have not been conducted to test the efficacy of any of these medications for pathological gambling. However, there have been a few case reports of patients who were using these medications as part of their treatment plan. For example, a woman with a 12-year history of pathological gambling was treated with clomipramine, an antidepressant. The treatment... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol 1(29) - Funding for Problem Gambling in the United States

In 1981, Connecticut established the first publicly-funded outpatient treatment program for problem gamblers. Currently, state support for education, prevention, treatment, or research focusing on problem gambling ranges from $20,000 to $2.75 million. Funding for problem gambling in the United States has been provided through various mechanisms: (1) on an annual basis through legislative appro­priation, (2) in appropriations mandated in legislation establishing new types of gambling, and (3) direct funding by the private sector, including the gaming industry. Funded services include programs that provide individual and group counseling, crisis counseling, outreach (public education and information), outpatient treatment programs, hot lines, and... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 1(28) - Influence of Gambling on Family & Friends

Gambling can hold important consequences for both family and friends. In a study examining the socioeconomic effects of gambling on individuals, families and the community, Australian researchers randomly surveyed a proportional representation of New South Wales, including Metropolitan Sydney (n = 1390). These respondents then were classified into two sub-sample groups for further data analysis. The two subgroups were (1) Lotto Only: respondents who had a regular, weekly, or more frequent habit of playing only the lotto, lottery, or Instant lottery (n=140), and (2) Other: respondents who had a regular, weekly or more frequent habit of playing some other (i.e.,... Read more →

The WAGER, Vol. 1(27) - Developmental Differences in Children’s Gambling Behavior

The skill of mathematical reasoning involved in certain gambling tasks requires individuals to be at a specific developmental level. The relatively sophisticated level of cognitive strategy necessary for understanding probability is generally acquired between the ages of 11 and 15. A recent study of 104 children ranging in age from 9 to 14 examined developmental differences in children’s gambling behavior. Children played a computerized blackjack game which measured risk-taking behavior. The computer eliminated the possibility of mathematical mistakes by adding the cards for each hand. Students were given a bankroll of $100 in “play money” to use in the ten... Read more →