Biological explanations of gambling

Biological explanations of gambling

1. (AO1) What is gambling classified as? Pathological gambling is a major psychiatric disorder. DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria focus on three areas: (1) the individual demonstrates a loss of control of gambling behaviour; (2) they exhibit a progressive increase in gambling frequency, time spent thinking about gambling, etc.; (3) they also continue to gamble despite negative repercussions on their life.

2. (AO1) INITIATION, The role of genetics - Studies have shown that pathological gambling runs in families. Although many attribute this to social-modelling influences, it is also possible that it could be due to genetic as well as environmental factors. A twin study by Shah et al (2005) found evidence of genetic transmission of gambling in men. Black et al (2006) found that the first-degree relatives of pathological gamblers were more likely to suffer from pathological gambling than were more distant relatives, thus demonstrating a strong genetic link.

3. (AO1) MAINTENANCE, The pituitary-adrenal response - Recent research suggests that pathological gambling is associated with an underachieve pituitary-adrenal response

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