Pathological gambling, as defined by American Psychiatric Association is an impulse control disorder associated with gambling. It is a chronic and progresive mental illness. It is estimated that 4-6% of gamblers are subject to the disease and that adolescents are three times more succeptible than adults.
The most common instrument used to screen for "probable pathological gambling" behavior is the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) developed by Lesieur and Blume (1987) at the South Oaks Hospital in New York. This screen is undoubtedly the most cited instrument in psychological research liturature.
A difficulty with treatment is recognition of the problem by the person, i.e., overcoming the denial. Treatment involves individual and group psychotherapy. There are self-support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Pathological gambling has become even easier for people all over the world due to easy access to gambling websites. People can gamble day and night. It's especially important to monitor children's internet access - as these sites are easy to find.
Take this free screening/quiz to find out if you have a gambling problem: Go To Gambling Quiz
Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and an online advice expert. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Visit her for Advice & Counseling, or take a free Depression Screening today. Subscribe to the growing self-help ezine "Better Choices". Contact info: info@GirlShrink.com
