Identifying problem and compulsive gamblers.
OBJECTIVE
To present a meta-analysis of current research on the prevalence, identification, and treatment of problem and compulsive gamblers.


METHODS
Problem and compulsive gambling was not a socio-scientific concern until the last two decades. Hence research on this topic is limited. The summary and analysis for this paper relied on computer searches of journal and news abstracts in addition to direct contact with organizations addressing the identification and treatment of compulsive gamblers.


RESULTS
An estimated 5% of those who gamble run into problems. About 1% of those who gamble are predicted to experience serious problems. Successful treatment of problem and compulsive gambling continues to be a challenge. Although cognitive therapy has been the favoured approach, a combination of several therapeutic approaches is advocated.


CONCLUSIONS
Problem and compulsive gambling can present a real health threat. As with other addictions, treatment strategies continue to be a baffling social problem. Aware and informed physicians can have a pivotal role in the difficult process of identifying, acknowledging, and remediating problem and compulsive gambling.
van Es
R
R
Iona College Gambling Institute, University of Windsor, Ontario. vanes@uwindsor.ca
D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods