Demographic and clinical features of 131 adult pathological gamblers.
BACKGROUND
This study was constructed to detail the demographic and phenomenological features of pathological gamblers.


METHODS
One hundred thirty-one subjects with DSM-IV pathological gambling were administered a semistructured interview to elicit demographic data and information on the phenomenology, age at onset, course, associated features, treatment history, and response to treatment of the disorder, followed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV.


RESULTS
Seventy-eight female (59.5%) and 53 male (40.5%) (mean +/- SD age = 47.7+/-11.0 years) pathological gamblers were studied. The majority of subjects (55.7%) were married. Subjects gambled a mean of 16 hours per week. Slot machines (65%), cards (33%), and blackjack (26%) were the most popular forms of gambling. The mean length of time between first gambling behavior and onset of pathological gambling was 6.3+/-8.9 years. Approximately one half (46%) of the subjects reported that television, radio, and billboard advertisements were a trigger to gamble. Most gamblers had severe financial, social, or legal problems. The majority of the subjects (58%) had at least 1 first-degree relative who also exhibited symptoms of problematic gambling behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Pathological gambling is a disabling disorder associated with high rates of social and legal difficulties.
Grant
J E
JE
Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis 55454-1495, USA. grant045@umn.edu
Kim
S W
SW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D017374:Paroxetine; D009271:Naltrexone