Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9457-9495
Abstract
Background: Pathological gambling is a non–substance-related addictive disorder, characterized by persistent preoccupation with gambling, impaired control, and continuation despite negative consequences. It is associated with financial losses, social and occupational dysfunction, and psychiatric comorbidities, including affective and substance use disorders. Although international prevalence estimates range from 1–2%, research in India remains limited, particularly with the rise of online gambling.
Methods: We report a case series of three individuals presenting to a tertiary-care psychiatry outpatient department with pathological gambling. Clinical assessments included detailed psychiatric evaluation, mental status examination, and psychometric assessments using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems. Treatment involved pharmacotherapy (SSRIs, mood stabilizers, or brief anxiolytics) and psychotherapy focusing on cognitive-behavioral strategies, motivation enhancement, and emotional regulation.
Results: Case 1: Adult male with depression, anxiety, and alcohol use; Case 2: Adult male with prior manic episode and escalating gambling debt; Case 3: Adolescent male with cannabis and opioid use linked to gambling behavior. All patients exhibited impaired control, preoccupation, and functional deterioration. With combined pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, patients achieved partial to full remission over follow-up.
Conclusion: Pathological gambling frequently coexists with psychiatric comorbidities and can cause significant social, financial, and occupational impairment. Early recognition, comprehensive assessment, and integrated pharmacological and psychotherapeutic management are essential. This case series highlights the growing need for awareness, screening, and tailored interventions in populations increasingly exposed to online gambling.
Publication Date
2024
Publisher
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
Conflict of Interest
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Keywords
Pathological Gambling, Behavioral Addiction, Online Gambling
Word Count
1000
Recommended Citation
gupta a, deka n, kumar m.
High Stakes and Hidden Risks: A Case Series on Pathological Gambling in Context With Affective Disorders and Substance Abuse.
Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine.
2024;
8(2):
-.
doi:
https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1290
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Cover Page Footnote
Authors names and affiliations: First author: Dr. Avni Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh- 201001. Contact no 7678175198, 9729533082 Email address: [email protected] Second author: Dr. Namita Deka, Grade I Consultant Specialist, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical college and Hospital, Rohini, New Delhi – 110085. Contact no 7290095598 Email address: [email protected] Third author and corresponding author: Dr Mahesh Kumar, Professor of psychiatry, Lady Hardinge medical College, New Delhi-110001 Contact No-8059564678 Email Address: [email protected]
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