The Nomenclature for Gambling-Related Disorders

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Gambling

Gambling involves placing a bet on an event that is uncertain, where you can win or lose. It is often done with money but can also be conducted using items that are not valuable, such as marbles or playing cards. Whenever you bet, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers excitement and pleasure. But some people are unable to control how much they bet, or they do not realize they have reached their gambling limit and end up spending more than they can afford to lose.

There are many factors that can contribute to problems with gambling. These include genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity, as well as cultural values that can influence how you think about gambling activity and what constitutes a problem. These values can make it hard for you to recognise when you have a gambling problem and can lead to secretive and denial behaviours, such as hiding your spending or lying to others about how much time you spend on betting.

Psychiatrists and other treatment clinicians also have different paradigms or world views that can affect how they approach the issue of gambling. This has made it difficult to agree on a consistent nomenclature for gambling-related disorders. The different perspectives can cause confusion and misunderstandings, because research scientists, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians and public policy makers often frame questions differently depending on their disciplinary training, experience and special interests. The nomenclature must also reflect the fact that there are a wide range of gambling-related disorders.