Pathological gambling: an emerging disorder

Abstract

Objective: An analysis of behavioral disorders (pathological gambling), whose incidence has increased significantly in the last years and that supposes one of the most important health care challenges at present. Method: Review of the pathological gambling concept, the diagnostic criteria presently used, the most relevant explanatory theories, the associated psychopathology and the evaluation and most effective treatment in this type of disorders. Results: Pathological gambling, currently considered as a disorder of the control of the impulses by the diagnostic classification systems, possesses numerous similarities with the substance dependence disorders, therefore the intervention strategies that are used arise from clinical experience in the treatment of addictive behaviors. Behavioral-cognitive therapy is the best validated at present for this disorder. Conclusions: Pathological gambling is an emerging disorder with a great number of affected subjects in our country. Implementation of preventive programs and the amplification of the specific resources for the treatments of these patients, through the development of intervention programs that have currently demonstrated clinical efficiency, are necessary.