Gambling disorder-related illegal acts: Regression model of associated factors

Gambling disorder-related illegal acts (GDRIA) are often crucial events for gamblers and/or their entourage. This study was designed to determine the predictive factors of GDRIA. Methods Participants were 372 gamblers reporting at least three DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) criteria. They were assessed on the basis of sociodemographic characteristics, gambling-related characteristics, their personality profile, and psychiatric comorbidities. A multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the relevant predictors of GDRIA and their relative contribution to the prediction of the presence of GDRIA. Results Multivariate analysis revealed a higher South Oaks Gambling Scale score, comorbid addictive disorders, and a lower level of income as GDRIA predictors. Discussion and conclusion An original finding of this study was that the comorbid addictive disorder effect might be mediated by a disinhibiting effect of stimulant substances on GDRIA. Further studies are necessary to replicate these results, especially in a longitudinal design, and to explore specific therapeutic interventions

Cognitive distortions and ADHD in pathological gambling: A national longitudinal case-control cohort study

Introduction The primary outcome of our study was to assess the links between the level of cognitive distortions and the severity of gambling disorder. We also aimed at assessing the links between patient gambling trajectories and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Materials and methods The study population (n = 628) was comprised of problem and non-problem gamblers of both sexes between 18 and 65 years of age, who reported gambling on at least one occasion during the previous year. Data encompassed socio-demographic characteristics, gambling habits, the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the Gambling Attitudes and Beliefs Survey – 23, the Wender Utah Rating Scale – Child, and the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale. Results The cognitive distortions with the greatest correlation to the severity of gambling disorder were the “Chasing” and “Emotions.” These two dimensions were able to distinguish between problem gamblers seeking treatment or not. While age of onset of gambling and length of gambling practice were not associated with the level of distorted cognitions, a period of abstinence of at least 1 month was associated with a lower level of distorted cognitions. The presence of ADHD resulted in a higher level of distorted cognitions. Conclusion Cognitive work is essential to the prevention, and the treatment, of pathological gambling, especially with respect to emotional biases and chasing behavior. The instauration of an abstinence period of at least 1 month under medical supervision could be a promising therapeutic lead for reducing gambling-related erroneous thoughts and for improving care strategies of pathological gamblers

La motivation pour les jeux de hasard et d'argent dans un groupe de joueurs Français.

International audienceGambling motivation is a variable that influences and determines the involvement in gambling activities. The aim of this research is to highlight the motivations among gamblers and a comparison of motivation among recreational and at-risk gamblers. Our data collection was conducted among 283 gamblers recruited in the French gambling operators (Française des Jeux and Pari Mutuel Urbain) and in stations of the Paris region. The results show that the participants gamble for winning money, get your mind off, relax, because the friends/colleagues do the same thing, out of boredom, to unwind, with significant differences between recreational and at-risk gamblers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract

Stades de motivation chez des patients joueurs pathologiques

International audienc

Caractéristiques structurelles et distorsions cognitives dans le pari hippique français.

International audiencePurpose and hypotheses: the objective of this study was to describe the cognitive distortions and the incidence of structural characteristics in PMU\textregistered (horseracing) punters. Structural characteristics of horseracing punters were correlated with the degree of severity of gambling. Punters presented cognitive distortions that were correlated with structural characteristics. Method: horseracing punters were recruited from PMU points of sale, Parisian region racetracks and public places. They were evaluated by using the South Oaks gambling screen (SOGS), the Gambling related cognition scale (GRCS) and a questionnaire measuring the incidence of structural characteristics among horseracing punters, corresponding to gambling-inherent properties likely to encourage punting or betting. Results: in a group of 100 horseracing punters, detected by means of the SOGS, 45 were recreational gamblers, 43 were problem gamblers and 12 were probable pathological gamblers. A positive correlation of 0.27 was observed between SOGS and structural characteristics. Horseracing punters presented strong adhesion to "predictive control", "hope related to gambling" and "perceived inability to stop gambling" cognitive distortions, related to "gambling" and "educational" characteristics. Discussion: the structural characteristics of horseracing punters are relevant to the study of pathological gambling and have a probable impact on the degree of severity of gambling. Links were observed between certain structural characteristics and certain cognitive distortions in the addiction process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract

A Gamblers Clustering Based on Their Favorite Gambling Activity

International audienceThe objective of this study was to identify profiles of gamblers to explain the choice of preferred gambling activity among both problem and non-problem gamblers. 628 non-problem and problem gamblers were assessed with a structured interview including "healthy" (sociodemographic characteristics, gambling habits and personality profile assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory-125) and "pathological" [diagnosis of pathological gambling, gambling-related cognitions (GRCs) and psychiatric comorbidity] variables. We performed a two-step cluster analysis based solely on "healthy" variables to identify gamblers' profiles which typically reflect the choice of preferred gambling activity. The obtained classes were then described using both "healthy" and "pathological" variables, by comparing each class to the rest of the sample. Clusters were generated. Class 1 (Electronic Gaming Machines gamblers) showed high cooperativeness, a lower level of GRC about strategy and more depressive disorders. Class 2 (games with deferred results gamblers) were high novelty seekers and showed a higher level of GRC about strategy and more addictive disorders. Class 3 (roulette gamblers) were more often high rollers and showed a higher level of GRC about strategy and more manic or hypomanic episodes and more obsessive-compulsive disorders. Class 4 (instant lottery gamblers) showed a lower tendency to suicide attempts. Class 5 (scratch cards gamblers) were high harm avoiders and showed a lower overall level of GRC and more panic attacks and eating disorders. The preference for one particular gambling activity may concern different profiles of gamblers. This study highlights the importance of considering the pair gambler-game rather than one or the other separately, and may provide support for future research on gambling and preventive actions directed toward a particular game