Early intervention is key
Most gamblers don’t have a diagnosable disorder and can participate in the pastime without any long-term harm. However, some will show signs of problem gambling, Dr. Grant noted.
“We believe that’s where interventions may have an even bigger impact,” said Dr. Grant. “We want to get people early on in the illness.” He added that gambling “runs along a continuum” from simply dabbling to serious addiction.
Whereas previous versions of the DSM put gambling in an impulse control category, the latest version – DSM-5 – recognizes gambling as an addiction alongside substances.
“That shows greater awareness of the biological connection to substance addiction,” said Dr. Grant. “It’s important for clinicians who are screening substance use disorder folks to make sure they include gambling in that screening.”
The guide includes information on available screening and assessment instruments for diagnosing gambling disorder and for monitoring symptom changes.
Many clinicians may be unaware of the personal and social consequences of gambling disorder and its implications for public health. The new guide provides a detailed look at the effects of gambling on society and families, as well as on individual health and well-being.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.