About gambling disorders

Self-assessment

Are you concerned about a potential gambling problem? Take the ten-question self-assessment (ncpgambling.org) provided by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Diagnostic criteria

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines the diagnostic criteria of Gambling Disorder as:

A. Behavior is persistent and recurrent

Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting 4 (or more) of the following in a 12-­month period:

• Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
• Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
• Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
• Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
• Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed)
• After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses)
• Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
• Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
• Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

B. Manic episodes do not explain behavior

A manic episode doesn't better explain the gambling behavior.

Specify if:

Episodic

Meeting diagnostic criteria at more than 1 time point, with symptoms subsiding
between periods of gambling disorder for at least several months.

Persistent

Experiencing continuous symptoms, to meet diagnostic criteria for multiple years.

Specify if:

In early remission

After full criteria for gambling disorder were previously met, none of the criteria
for gambling disorder have been met for at least 3 months but for less than 12 months.

In sustained remission

After full criteria for gambling disorder were previously met, none of the
criteria for gambling disorder have been met during a period of 12 months or longer.

Specify current severity:

Mild: 4–5 criteria met.
Moderate: 6–7 criteria met.
Severe: 8–9 criteria met.