scholarly journals A neurocognitive comparison of cognitive flexibility and response inhibition in gamblers with varying degrees of clinical severity

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2111-2119 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Odlaug ◽  
S. R. Chamberlain ◽  
S. W. Kim ◽  
L. R. N. Schreiber ◽  
J. E. Grant
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Substance Addiction ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Axis I

BackgroundAs a behavioral addiction with clinical and phenomenological similarities to substance addiction, recreational and pathological gambling represent models for studying the neurobiology of addiction, without the confounding deleterious brain effects which may occur from chronic substance abuse.MethodA community sample of individuals aged 18–65 years who gamble was solicited through newspaper advertising. Subjects were grouped a priori into three groups (no-risk, at-risk, and pathological gamblers) based on a diagnostic interview. All subjects underwent a psychiatric clinical interview and neurocognitive tests assessing motor impulsivity and cognitive flexibility. Subjects with a current axis I disorder, history of brain injury/trauma, or implementation or dose changes of psychoactive medication within 6 weeks of study enrollment were excluded.ResultsA total of 135 no-risk, 69 at-risk and 46 pathological gambling subjects were assessed. Pathological gamblers were significantly older, and exhibited significant deficiencies in motor impulse control (stop-signal reaction times), response speed (median ‘go’ trial response latency) and cognitive flexibility [total intra-dimensional/extra-dimensional (IDED) errors] versus controls. The finding of impaired impulse control and cognitive flexibility was robust in an age-matched subgroup analysis of pathological gamblers. The no-risk and at-risk gambling groups did not significantly differ from each other on task performance.ConclusionsImpaired response inhibition and cognitive flexibility exist in people with pathological gambling compared with no-risk and at-risk gamblers. The early identification of such illness in adolescence or young adulthood may aid in the prevention of addiction onset of such disabling disorders.

Attentional bias in pathological gambling. A review

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 120-120
Author(s):  
E.J.V. Vizcaino ◽  
M.M. Mayor ◽  
I.M. Gras ◽  
G.P. Alfaro ◽  
G.R. Valladolid
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Attentional Bias ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cognitive Dimension ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Modified Stroop ◽  
Emotional Dimension ◽  
Dsm Iv

RationalePathological gambling (PG) is a relatively prevalent psychiatric disorder, which is included in the category of Impulse Control Disorders of the DSM-IV TR. It's prevalence is 1%. Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter involved in it. Attentional bias (AB) is a phenomenon whereby attentional channelling is directed toward personally valued stimuli, despite an individual's efforts to ignore them. AB have been previously described in several Substance Use Disorders (SUD) such as alcoholism and cocaine use disorders.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the current evidence of the presence of AB associated to PG.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in PubMed (1980-Present) to identify publications that examined the existence of AB in PG.ResultsTo date, two studies have found the existence of an AB in pathological gamblers. Both studies have been performed using a modified Stroop procedure, and report that gamblers show an automatic interference when naming the color of gambling-related words.ConclusionsPG could be conceptualized as an addictive behavior and we can hypothesize a link between addiction and automaticity. There is a relationship between AB (cognitive dimension) and subjective craving (emotional dimension), so that high levels of craving can be both, a cause of, and a consequence of, an elevation of AB of gambling-related cues. Even so, there is little research in this field to date. Further studies are warranted using new paradigms for the assessment of AB in PG.

Pathological Gamblers are Neither Impulsive Nor Sensation—Seekers

1988 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive C. Allcock ◽  
David M. Grace
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
The Other ◽  
Drug Addicts ◽  
Heroin Addicts ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale

Ten pathological gamblers, ten alcoholics, ten heroin addicts and twenty five non-patients were compared using Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) and Barratt's Impulsivity Scale (BIS). The pathological gamblers did not differ from the non-patient group on either measure. Drug addicts scored significantly higher and alcoholics significantly lower than the pathological gamblers and the non-patient group on the SSS, while drug addicts scored significantly higher than the other groups on the BIS. The difficulties in defining impulsivity are discussed. It is suggested that the classification of pathological gambling as a disorder of impulse control should be reconsidered.

scholarly journals The association of at-risk, problem, and pathological gambling with substance use, depression, and arrest history

2010 ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra L. Momper ◽  
Jorge Delva ◽  
Andrew Grogan-Kaylor ◽  
Ninive Sanchez ◽  
Rachel A. Volberg
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Bivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
Problem Or Pathological Gambling

We examined at-risk, problem, or pathological gambling co-occurrence with frequency of past-year alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use; depressive symptoms; and arrest history. Data included the responses of over 3,000 individuals who participated in a 2006 telephone survey designed to understand the extent of at-risk, problem, and pathological gambling; comorbidity levels with substance use; mental health; and social problems among Southwestern U.S. residents. Data were analyzed with multinomial and bivariate logistic regression. Respondents at risk for problem gambling were more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana than those respondents not at risk. Pathological gamblers were no more or less likely to consume alcohol or tobacco than were non-gamblers or those not at risk. A dose-response relationship existed between degree of gambling problems and depressive symptoms and arrest history. Interventions for at-risk or problem gamblers need to include substance use treatment, and the phenomenon of low levels of substance use among pathological gamblers needs further exploration.

scholarly journals Associations between Pathological Gambling and Psychiatric Comorbidity among Help-Seeking Populations in Hong Kong

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. L. Shek ◽  
Elda M. L. Chan ◽  
Ryan H. Y. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Axis I

Problem gambling is complex and often comorbid with other mental health problems. Unfortunately, gambling studies on comorbid psychiatric disorders among Chinese communities are extremely limited. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers; (b) compare the demographic profiles and clinical features of pathological gamblers with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders; (c) explore the associations between pathological gambling and psychiatric disorders and their temporal relationship. Participants (N=201) who sought gambling counseling were examined by making Axis-I diagnoses including mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorder. Results showed that 63.7% of participants had lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorder. The most common comorbid psychiatric mental disorders were mood disorders, adjustment disorder, and substance use disorders. Pathological gamblers with psychiatric comorbidities were significantly more severe in psychopathology, psychosocial functioning impairment, and gambling problems than those without the disorders.

scholarly journals Are There Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches Specific to the Treatment of Pathological Gambling?

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermano Tavares ◽  
Monica L Zilberman ◽  
Nady el-Guebaly
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Distortions ◽  
Skill Training ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Substance Addiction ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Gambling Treatment

Objective: Treatment approaches for pathological gambling have been modelled after preexisting substance addiction models. This paper reviews cognitive-behavioural models in a search for original insights that are specific to gambling treatment. Method: A computerized search of major health care databases (Medline and PsycINFO) was performed. Results: New cognitive-behavioural approaches to the treatment of pathological gambling provide 3 original additions to the traditional multimodal treatment of addictions: cognitive restructuring, in vivo exposure, and imaginal desensitization. Other cognitive-behavioural techniques, such as relapse prevention, problem solving, and social skill training, are shared by gambling treatment and addictions treatment. Conclusions: When treating pathological gamblers, clinicians must consider introducing techniques to address cognitive distortions related to gambling. Also, cue exposure—whether in vivo or imaginal—may help deal with urges prompted by such cues. The blending of these new techniques into a multimodal addiction treatment potentially balances the rational and external orientation of the cognitive-behavioural approach with interpersonal and introspective components of the traditional addiction treatment.

Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses in kleptomania and pathological gambling: a preliminary comparison study

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 299-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinhas N. Dannon ◽  
Katherine Lowengrub ◽  
Marina Sasson ◽  
Bosmat Shalgi ◽  
Lali Tuson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Affective Disorders ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Impulse Control Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychiatric Evaluation ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
High Prevalence

AbstractKleptomania and pathological gambling (PG) are currently classified in the DSM IV as impulse control disorders. Impulse control disorders are characterized by an overwhelming temptation to perform an act that is harmful to the person or others. The patient usually feels a sense of tension before committing the act and then experiences pleasure or relief while in the process of performing the act. Kleptomania and PG are often associated with other comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. Forty-four pathological gamblers and 19 kleptomanics were included in this study. All enrolled patients underwent a complete diagnostic psychiatric evaluation and were examined for symptoms of depression and anxiety using the Hamilton depression rating scale and the Hamilton anxiety rating scale, respectively. In addition, the patients completed self-report questionnaires about their demographic status and addictive behavior. The comorbid lifetime diagnoses found at a high prevalence among our kleptomanic patients included 47% with affective disorders (9/19) and 37% with anxiety disorders (7/19). The comorbid lifetime diagnoses found at a high prevalence in our sample of pathological gamblers included 27% with affective disorders (12/44), 21% with alcohol abuse (9/44), and 7% with a history of substance abuse (3/44). A larger study is needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Serotonin Dysfunction in Pathological Gamblers: Increased Prolactin Response to Oral m-CPP Versus Placebo

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 956-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Pallanti ◽  
Silvia Bernardi ◽  
Leonardo Quercioli ◽  
Concetta DeCaria ◽  
Eric Hollander
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Acute Administration ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Prolactin Response ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTObjectiveAcute administration of the partial serotonin (5-HT) agonist meta-chlorophenylpi-perazine (m-CPP), that is used also as a street drug, has been reported to induce a “high” and craving response in various impulsive and sub-stance addiction disorders.IntroductionTo clarify altered 5-HT metabolism in pathological gamblers and to explore the specific role of serotonergic system in non substance addictions, we assessed behavioral (“high” and “craving”) and neuroendocrine (prolactin and cortisol) responses to an oral single dose of m-CPP and placebo in pathological gamblers and matched controls. Moreover, the relationship between neuroendocrine outcome and clinical severity has been assessed.MethodTwenty-six pathological gamblers and 26 healthy control subjects enter a double-blind, placebo-controlled-crossed administration of orally dose m-CPP 0.5 mg/kg. Outcome measures included prolactin and cortisol levels, gambling severity, mood, craving and “high” scales.ResultsPathological gamblers had significantly increased prolactin response compared to controls at 180 minutes and at 210 minutes post–administration. Greater pathological gamblers severity correlated with increased neuroendocrine responsiveness to m-CCP, suggesting greater 5-HT dysregulation. Pathological gambling patients had a significantly increased “high” sensation after m-CPP administration compared with control.ConclusionThese results provide additional evidence for 5-HT disturbance in pathological gamblers and they support the hypotheses that the role of the 5-HT dysfunction related to the experience of “high” might represent the path-way that leads to dyscontrolled behavior in patho-logical gamblers. Furthermore, the “high” feeling induced by m-CPP in pathological subjects may represent a marker of vulnerability to both behav-ioral and substance addictions.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Pathological Gambling in Quebec in 2002

2005 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 451-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Ladouceur ◽  
Christian Jacques ◽  
Serge Chevalier ◽  
Serge Sévigny ◽  
Denis Hamel
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Screening Instruments ◽  
South Oaks Gambling Screen ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pathological Gamblers

Objective: To assess gambling behaviours and the problems associated with pathological gambling among the adult population of Quebec in 2002. Method: In Phase 1 of this 2-phase study, a total sample of 8842 adults was assessed. We used the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), adapted for telephone interview, to assess one-half of the sample; the other one-half was evaluated with the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI). In the study's second phase, we compared the classifications obtained from these screening instruments with classifications obtained by a psychologist using a semistructured clinical telephone interview. Results: The results indicate that the prevalence of pathological gambling in 2002 (at which time 0.8% of the adult population were classified as probable pathological gamblers) did not differ from the proportion obtained in 1996 (1.0%), despite the significant decrease in gambling participation in 2002 (81% vs 90% in 1996). The most popular gambling activities were buying lottery tickets (68%), participating in fundraising draws (40%), gambling in casinos (18%), playing cards with family or with friends (10%), playing bingo (9%), and playing video lotteries (8%). The findings obtained from the SOGS and the CPGI revealed that the 2 instruments perform similarly when identifying pathological gambling prevalence. However, the results of the semistructured clinical telephone interviews differed from the results obtained with the screening instruments: 82% of the gamblers initially identified as probable pathological gamblers by the SOGS or the CPGI were not confirmed by a clinical interview. Conclusion: The discrepancy between the results of the screening questionnaires and the clinical evaluation is significant, and this difference needs to be addressed before further cross-sectional or longitudinal studies are conducted.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document