The reification of the "pathological" gambler: an analysis of gambling treatment and the application of the medical model to problem gambling.
OBJECTIVE
Is the medical model used to reify "pathological" gambling?


METHODS
A qualitative field study of 12 subjects with the diagnosis "pathological" gambler.


RESULTS
None of the 12 subjects being treated for "pathological" gambling fit neatly in the category of "pathological" gambler. An examination of the treatment center revealed institutional grounds for the use of this diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Rather than a medical diagnosis, "pathological" gambling is a socially constructed phenomenon. Using the medical model serves clients interpersonally and clinicians occupationally.
Wedgeworth
R L
RL
Community College of Baltimore County, Essex, MD, USA.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D015985:Precipitating Factors; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires