ADDICTIVE POTENTIAL OF ONLINE-GAMBLING. A PREVALENCE STUDY FROM AUSTRIA

There are hints, that online-gambling has a higher addictive potential than offline-gambling. In this study prevalence and sociodemographic distribution of online- vs. offline-gambling in Austria are gathered and possible relations discussed. Problematic gambling-behavior was assessed via Lie-and-Bet questionnaire from Johnson. The results indicate a tendency of younger gamblers and particularly problematic gamblers towards online-gambling. Considering the substantial addictive potential of online-gambling and hints of a future trend away from offline- towards online-gambling, preventive measures like public restrictions for online providers and awareness campaigns for consumers about the dangers of online-gambling offers are reasonable

PRO MENTE OBERÖSTERREICH – INCLUSION INSTEAD OF EXCLUSION

pro mente OÖ is one of the biggest organisations offering psycho-social care and treatment. It is a crucial part of the differentiated system of social psychiatric services in Austria. First, the article describes the organization pro mente OÖ, its history and services. Then, a selection of framework conditions of social psychiatric supply is presented. In this respect some existing strengths and weaknesses of the Austrian psycho-social supply system are discussed

GLÜCKSSPIELE IM INTERNET - NEUES GEFAHRENPOTENTIAL?

Since the new American psychiatric classification, DSM V, was released, bringing together substance-related disorders and gambling disorder into one chapter, the addictive potential of gambling and sports wagering is beyond all question. Even the neurobiological processes of the brain show similarities in all addictive disorders. Gambling is more and more shifted into the cyberspace owing to the global expansion of the internet. The addictive potential of online-gambling seems to be higher than offline, though, which is also reflected by the patient population of the outpatient clinic for gambling addiction in Linz. This fact poses a challenge for the persons affected, therapists, gambling providers, legislator the society as a whole.Dass Glücksspiele und Wettsport potentiell abhängig machen können, steht spätesten seit Erscheinen der neuen amerikanischen psychiatrischen Klassifikation, DSM V, in welchem Glückspielsucht dem gleichen Kapitel zugeordnet wird wie auch substanzgebundene Süchte, außer Streit. Auch die neurobiologischen Vorgänge im Gehirn weisen bei allen Suchterkrankungen Ähnlichkeiten auf. Durch die weltweite Verbreitung des Internets verlagert sich nun auch das Glücksspiel zunehmend in den virtuellen Raum. Das Suchtpotential scheint beim Online-Glücksspiel allerdings höher zu sein als offline, was sich auch beim Patientengut der Ambulanz für Spielsucht in Linz wiederspiegelt. Dieser Umstand stellt für Betroffene, Behandler, Glücksspielanbieter aber auch Gesetzgeber und der Gesellschaft als Ganzes eine Herausforderung dar

Medical Science Monitor / Loss of self-understanding : a behavior-oriented model of depression

BACKGROUND: A new model of depression is proposed which is biological and explanatory on the behavioral level. It is hypothesized that a patient suffering from a depressive disorder loses the ability to produce one or more modes of behavior at a given time and simultaneously has the urge to produce one or more other modes of behavior constantly. The patient is also unable to interpret his behavioral disorder ("loss of self-understanding"). MATERIAL/METHODS: The authors developed the Salzburg Subjective Behavioral Analysis (SSBA) self-assessment questionnaire asking subjects to elaborate on changes in 35 modes of behavior and to interpret the behavioral disorder, if possible. The study was conducted using this questionnaire and the Hamilton Depression Scale on 30 inpatients with depressive disorders and this questionnaire on 30 healthy controls. RESULTS: Extreme positions in the SSBA were found in all 30 patients, compared with 2 in the 30 healthy controls. Significant correlation between the occurrence of extreme positions and the Hamilton scores was found (r=0.44, p=0.02) and correlation between the Hamilton scores and the inability of the patients to interpret the behavioral disorder was nearly significant (r=-0.35, p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of extreme positions in the SSBA increased with depressive mood. In addition, the likelihood that subjects could explain their extreme positions in behavior decreased with increasing depression. The SSBA questionnaire assesses the self-evaluation of modes of behavior. As a diagnostic instrument, DSM-IV does not have criteria for modes of behavior. Thus, behavioral analysis should be considered in diagnosing depression.(VLID)221261