Epidemiología del juego patológico en un programa de tratamiento profesional

The aim of the present study was to observe the sociodemographic andpsychological features in a sample of pathological gamblers in a professional treatment programme. All patients sought treatment in the Pathological Gambling Unit of the Department of Psychiatry at Ciutat Sanitaria i Universitària de Bellvitge, Barcelona (Spain). The sample was composed of 172 subjects diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria (APA, 1994) for pathological gambling. A questionaire dealing with biographical and socioTfamily matters (González Ibáñez, 1994) was handed out to them. This questionnaire contained inforrnation about biography, family, relationship with spouse/partner, social relationships, occupation, hobbies, illnesses and aspects of gambling. The evaluation of the subjects was perforrned in the Pathological Garnbling Unit. The results revealed the following profile: Male, with un average age of 40.43 years, married, with primary education, skilled manual worker, ernployed, without a family history of psychiatric illness and without psychiatric comorbidity, with current debts or debts in the past and in the main slot machine gamblers. Other findings are also presented and discussed.El objetivo del presente estudio fue observar las características sociodemográficas y psicológicas de un grupo de jugadores patológicos, en un programa de tratamiento profesional. Todos los pacientes solicitaron tratamiento en la Unidad de Juego Patológico del Servicio de Psiquiatría de la Ciutat Sanitària i Universitaria de Bellvitge, en Barcelona. La muestra se componía de 172 sujetos diagnosticados de juego patológico según los criterios DSM-IV (APA, 1994) a los que se les entregó un cuestionario de datos biográficos y sociofamiliares (González Ibáñez, 1994). Este cuestionario contiene información sobre datos biográficos, familiares, relación de pareja, relaciones sociales, trabajo, aficiones, enfermedades y aspectos relacionados con el juego. Los resultados mostraron el siguiente perfil: hombres, con una edad media de 40.43 años, casados, con estudios primarios, trabajadores cualificados, activos laboralmente, sin antecedentes psiquiátricos familiares y sin comorbilidad psiquiátrica, con deudas actuales o en el pasado y jugadores de máquinas recreativas con premio, en su mayoría. Asímismo se presentan y discuten otros resultados

Evaluación y tratamiento cognitivo-conductual de jugadores patológicos de máquinas recreativas con premio

Pathological gamblers form a heterogeneous group with various biopsychosocial features, which leave them susceptible to addiction to gambling. More homogeneous subgroups could be identified based on the specific weight of these factors and on rhe type of gambling chosen for their addiction. The aims of the study were to identifi the possible existence of subgroups of pathological gamblers in tems of certain psychological and psychopathological variables in a sample of 60 subjects diagnosed with this disorder according to DSM-IV criteria (APA, 1994). Furthemore, we tried to present un initial descriptive study on the progress of the subjects treated. Several questionnaires and structured interviews were used to evaluate the subjects SCL-90-R, Zuckerman's Sensation-Seeking Scale, Social Support Scale, Eysenck's Impulsiveness Scale 17, among others). Cluster analysis was pelfomed in treating the data. Three homogeneous groups were differentiated in relation to the level of psychopathology exhibited, since the psychological features evaluated were maintained in the three groups.Los jugadores patológicos formarían un grupo heterogéneo con unas características biopsicosociales que les harían vulnerables a la adicción al juego y podrían identificarse unos subgrupos más homogéneos, a partir del peso específico de estos factores y del tipo de juego elegido para su adicción. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron identificar la existencia de posibles subgrupos de jugadores patológicos, en función de determinadas variables psicológicas y psicopatológicas, en una muestra de 60 sujetos diagnosticados de este trastorno, según criterios DSM-IV (APA, 1994). Asimismo, se pretendió presentar un primer estudio descriptivo sobre la evolución de los sujetos tratados. Se utilizaron diversos cuestionarios y entrevistas estructuradas para realizar la evaluación de los sujetos (Symptom Check List Revised, SCL-90-R; el Sensation Seeking Scale, SSS; Social Support Scale, Impulsiveness Scale de Eysenck, 17, entre otras). Se realizó un análisis de cluster para el tratamiento de los datos, que diferenció tres grupos homogéneos en relación al grado de psicopatologia que presentaban, mientras que las características psicológicas evaluadas se mantuvieron en los tres grupos

Variables psicológicas y psicopatológicas en el juego patológico

The aim of the present study was to compare the demographic, psychological and psychopathological features of pathological fruit machine gamblers and bingo players. Similarly, psychopathological and psychological differences were observed between those pathological gamblers in the sample who abused substances and those who did not. The sample was composed of 153 pathological gamblers, 79% (N=120) with fruit machines and 22% (N=33) in bingo-halls. In the sample 14% abused substances, whereas the remaining 86% did not. All the patients sought treatrnent in the Pathological Cambling Unit at the Ciutat Sanitària i Universitària de Bellvitge, in Barcelona (Spain). Both groups of patients were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria (APA, 1994)f or pathological gambling and for substance abuse. The psychological questionnaires administered used two different scales: SCL-90-R and Zuckeman's Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Significant differences between both groups were found on the subscale of hostility on the SCL-90-R (p<.02) and on the subscale of experience seeking on the SSS (p<.03). Significant differences emerged on all the SCL-90-R subscales between substance-abusing and non-substance abusing pathological gamblers. No significant differences were detected between groups in any of the socio-dernographical variables assessed.El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar las características demográficas, psicológicas y psicopatológicas de un grupo de jugadores de máquinas recreativas con premio y otro de jugadores de bingo. Asimismo, se trató de identificar las diferencias existentes en las variables seleccionadas, entre un grupo de jugadores patológicos que además abusaban de sustancias psicoactivas y otro que no lo hacía. La muestra secompuso de 153 jugadores patológicos, 79% (N=120) de máquinas recreativas con premio y 22% (N=33) de bingo. De la muestra inicial, un 14% presentaba abuso de sustancias psicoactivas, además de juego patológico y el 86% restante no. Todos los sujetos habían acudido en busca de tratamientoa la Unidad de Juego Patológico de la Ciutat Sanitaria i Universitaria de Bellvitge, en Barcelona. Ambos grupos, fueron diagnosticados siguiendo los criterios diagnósticos DSM-lV (APA, 1994) para juego patológico y con los criterios generales para el diagnóstico de abuso de sustancias psicoactivas, según el DSM-IV. Con respecto a los cuestionarios psicológicos, se administraron el Symptom Check List Revised (SCL-90-Ry) el Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Se hallaron diferencias signifcativas en la escala de hostilidad del SCL-90-R (p <.02) entre jugadores de máquinas y de bingo, así como en la escala de búsqueda de experiencias del SSS (p<.03). También se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en todas las dimensiones del scL-90-R, así como en todas las subescalas del SSS, entre los sujetos que abusaban de sustancias psicoactivas y los que no lo hacían. No se hallaron diferencias entre los grupos en ninguna de las variables sociodemográficas estudiadas

Epidemiología del juego patológico en un programa de tratamiento profesional

The aim of the present study was to observe the sociodemographic andpsychological features in a sample of pathological gamblers in a professional treatment programme. All patients sought treatment in the Pathological Gambling Unit of the Department of Psychiatry at Ciutat Sanitaria i Universitària de Bellvitge, Barcelona (Spain). The sample was composed of 172 subjects diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria (APA, 1994) for pathological gambling. A questionaire dealing with biographical and socioTfamily matters (González Ibáñez, 1994) was handed out to them. This questionnaire contained inforrnation about biography, family, relationship with spouse/partner, social relationships, occupation, hobbies, illnesses and aspects of gambling. The evaluation of the subjects was perforrned in the Pathological Garnbling Unit. The results revealed the following profile: Male, with un average age of 40.43 years, married, with primary education, skilled manual worker, ernployed, without a family history of psychiatric illness and without psychiatric comorbidity, with current debts or debts in the past and in the main slot machine gamblers. Other findings are also presented and discussed.El objetivo del presente estudio fue observar las características sociodemográficas y psicológicas de un grupo de jugadores patológicos, en un programa de tratamiento profesional. Todos los pacientes solicitaron tratamiento en la Unidad de Juego Patológico del Servicio de Psiquiatría de la Ciutat Sanitària i Universitaria de Bellvitge, en Barcelona. La muestra se componía de 172 sujetos diagnosticados de juego patológico según los criterios DSM-IV (APA, 1994) a los que se les entregó un cuestionario de datos biográficos y sociofamiliares (González Ibáñez, 1994). Este cuestionario contiene información sobre datos biográficos, familiares, relación de pareja, relaciones sociales, trabajo, aficiones, enfermedades y aspectos relacionados con el juego. Los resultados mostraron el siguiente perfil: hombres, con una edad media de 40.43 años, casados, con estudios primarios, trabajadores cualificados, activos laboralmente, sin antecedentes psiquiátricos familiares y sin comorbilidad psiquiátrica, con deudas actuales o en el pasado y jugadores de máquinas recreativas con premio, en su mayoría. Asímismo se presentan y discuten otros resultados

Evaluación y tratamiento cognitivo-conductual de jugadores patológicos de máquinas recreativas con premio

Pathological gamblers form a heterogeneous group with various biopsychosocial features, which leave them susceptible to addiction to gambling. More homogeneous subgroups could be identified based on the specific weight of these factors and on rhe type of gambling chosen for their addiction. The aims of the study were to identifi the possible existence of subgroups of pathological gamblers in tems of certain psychological and psychopathological variables in a sample of 60 subjects diagnosed with this disorder according to DSM-IV criteria (APA, 1994). Furthemore, we tried to present un initial descriptive study on the progress of the subjects treated. Several questionnaires and structured interviews were used to evaluate the subjects SCL-90-R, Zuckerman's Sensation-Seeking Scale, Social Support Scale, Eysenck's Impulsiveness Scale 17, among others). Cluster analysis was pelfomed in treating the data. Three homogeneous groups were differentiated in relation to the level of psychopathology exhibited, since the psychological features evaluated were maintained in the three groups.Los jugadores patológicos formarían un grupo heterogéneo con unas características biopsicosociales que les harían vulnerables a la adicción al juego y podrían identificarse unos subgrupos más homogéneos, a partir del peso específico de estos factores y del tipo de juego elegido para su adicción. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron identificar la existencia de posibles subgrupos de jugadores patológicos, en función de determinadas variables psicológicas y psicopatológicas, en una muestra de 60 sujetos diagnosticados de este trastorno, según criterios DSM-IV (APA, 1994). Asimismo, se pretendió presentar un primer estudio descriptivo sobre la evolución de los sujetos tratados. Se utilizaron diversos cuestionarios y entrevistas estructuradas para realizar la evaluación de los sujetos (Symptom Check List Revised, SCL-90-R; el Sensation Seeking Scale, SSS; Social Support Scale, Impulsiveness Scale de Eysenck, 17, entre otras). Se realizó un análisis de cluster para el tratamiento de los datos, que diferenció tres grupos homogéneos en relación al grado de psicopatologia que presentaban, mientras que las características psicológicas evaluadas se mantuvieron en los tres grupos

Executive functioning among female pathological gambling and bulimia nervosa patients: preliminary findings

Shared vulnerabilities have been described across disorders of impulse control, including pathological gambling (PG) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Our aim was to compare the executive functioning of PG and BN females in order to confirm their similarity at a neurocognitive level. A total of 15 BN females, 15 PG females, and 15 healthy control (HC) females were administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Stroop Color and Word Test. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age and education was conducted to compare groups. PG showed the greatest impairment, that is, the highest percentage of WCST perseverative errors (p = .023), the lowest percentage of conceptual-level responses (p = .034), and the highest number of total trials administered (p = .021), while BN showed the highest percentage of WCST nonperseverative errors (p = .003). Both BN and PG females demonstrated executive dysfunction relative to HCs but different specific correlates (i.e., greater vulnerability to distraction in BN, but more cognitive inflexibility in PG)

Gender and Responsible Gambling in Spain. The Social Gambling Questionnaire for Women (SGQW-47), a new screening instrument

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a questionnaire to assess responsible gambling habits in females of the general population, to explore its psychometric properties and to compare the results between a community sample and a clinical sample of patients with gambling disorder. We also aim at providing empirical evidence of the gambling habits among Spanish females. Method: Two samples were selected to develop the questionnaire and to explore gambling habits in female Spanish population. The clinical sample was recruited from the Pathological Gambling Unit at the University Hospital of Bellvitge (Barcelona, Spain), comprising 30 patients. The community sample was recruited from individuals visiting the hospital for the Dentistry and Chiropody Departments, placed at the same university hospital and it comprised 316 females. Results: The questionnaire showed high values for sensitivity and specificity, discriminating between patients with gambling disorder and healthy controls. More than a 3% of the females from the community sample presented a problematic gambling behavior. In relation to predictors of gambling behavior, low socioeconomic status emerged as the unique socio-demographic factor for problematic gambling. Moreover, the illusion of winning money through gambling or feeling better by gambling were powerful stimulators of gambling behavior. Conclusions: Despite being male is strongly associated with the development of problem gambling, females can also be considered "at risk gamblers" themselves. To explore gambling habits of this population, identifying potentially harmful behaviors, in order to maintain responsible gambling habits, may contribute to the development of prevention and education programs promoting the general health of the community

Internet gaming disorder and online gambling disorder: Clinical and personality correlates

Background and aims: The recent growth of Internet use has led to an increase of potentially problematic behaviors that can be engaged online, such as online gambling or Internet gaming. The aim of this study is to better conceptualize Internet gaming disorder (IGD) by comparing it with gambling disorder (GD) patients who only gamble online (online GD). Methods: A total of 288 adult patients (261 online GD and 27 IGD) completed self-reported questionnaires for exploring psychopathological symptoms, food addiction (FA), and personality traits. Results: Both clinical groups presented higher psychopathological scores and less functional personality traits when compared with a normative Spanish population. However, when comparing IGD to online GD, some singularities emerged. First, patients with IGD were younger, more likely single and unemployed, and they also presented lower age of disorder onset. In addition, they displayed lower somatization and depressive scores together with lower prevalence of tobacco use but higher FA scores and higher mean body mass index. Finally, they presented lower novelty seeking and persistence traits. Discussion: GD is fully recognized as a behavioral addiction, but IGD has been included in the Appendix of DSM-5 as a behavioral addiction that needs further study. Our findings suggest that IGD and online GD patients share some emotional distress and personality traits, but patients with IGD also display some differential characteristics, namely younger age, lower novelty seeking scores and higher BMI, and FA scores. Conclusions: IGD presents some characteristics that are not extensive to online GD. These specificities have potential clinical implications and they need to be further studied

Compulsive buying behavior: clinical comparison with other behavioral addictions

Compulsive buying behavior (CBB) has been recognized as a prevalent mental health disorder, yet its categorization into classification systems remains unsettled. The objective of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and clinic variables related to the CBB phenotype compared to other behavioral addictions. Three thousand three hundred and twenty four treatment-seeking patients were classified in five groups: CBB, sexual addiction, Internet gaming disorder, Internet addiction, and gambling disorder. CBB was characterized by a higher proportion of women, higher levels of psychopathology, and higher levels in the personality traits of novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, persistence, and cooperativeness compared to other behavioral addictions. Results outline the heterogeneity in the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed with different behavioral addiction subtypes and shed new light on the primary mechanisms of CBB

Compulsive Buying Behavior : Clinical Comparison with Other Behavioral Addictions

Compulsive buying behavior (CBB) has been recognized as a prevalent mental health disorder, yet its categorization into classification systems remains unsettled. The objective of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and clinic variables related to the CBB phenotype compared to other behavioral addictions. Three thousand three hundred and twenty four treatment-seeking patients were classified in five groups: CBB, sexual addiction, Internet gaming disorder, Internet addiction, and gambling disorder. CBB was characterized by a higher proportion of women, higher levels of psychopathology, and higher levels in the personality traits of novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, persistence, and cooperativeness compared to other behavioral addictions. Results outline the heterogeneity in the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed with different behavioral addiction subtypes and shed new light on the primary mechanisms of CBB