History of Pathological Gambling

Pathological Gambling or Problem Gambling is the urge of someone to gamble knowing that the effects could be harmful or negative. This is a severe problem that has been diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling and there must be a certain criteria. Pathological Gambling is actually a common disorder that is also associated with social issues as well as family issues. The disorder is classified as a strong desire or impulse control disorder with similarities familiar in other disorders. There is treatment and the recovery method for this disorder is actually the same as a gambling addiction.

Some of the personality risk factors involved with a pathological gambling are what is called Impulsivity. This is a very basic symptom in a person who may suffer from pathological gambling. It is the levels of impulsivity levels are more prominent than others. If a person has the right levels of impulse control then that person is not likely to develop this type of gambling disorder. Another symptom is called Coping Strategies; along with impulsivity the problem in gamblers is how they cope with things. A person's ability to cope and deal with many different situations in an effective way would also decrease the chances of developing the pathological gambling disorder.

Antisocial Behavior is also a sign of the development of this disorder. All three of these things are all tied into the disorder. The causes can be genetic, environmental well as some personality traits like impulsivity. Some of the other risk factors are gender, males are found be more likely than a females are to develop a gambling disorder. Other factors include stress and family history. Sometime it can be in the genetic make up of someone.

The problem is that the person who has it won't be able to see that they have a problem. Compulsive gambling is bad for so many reasons. When you have any of these disorders that result in pathological gambling, it can be detrimental to your health and welfare, your job and social activities could suffer and any relationships that you may have could very well be destroyed. If you know someone who seems to have a gambling problem, take a look at these signs as well as someone who is withdrawing from friends, someone who spends the majority of their time gambling and maybe someone who is behind in their rent or bills.

There is help for pathological gamblers out there. You can start with a trip to their doctor. Offer support and not judgment, they may be more likely to open up to you if you aren't judgmental. People who have a gambling addiction need help not lectures, the quicker that you can get someone help the better off they will be. There are gambling anonymous websites and hotlines, if you know someone who you believe has this disorder, call someone and see what they suggest you should do. They are trained and they have experience with these disorders and it is the first step in getting help.