The Dsm Iv An Impulse Control Disorder - 1843 Words

In the DSM-IV, gambling disorder was classified as an impulse control disorder, a class of disorders characterized by the failure to resist a temptation, urge or impulse, placing it alongside such wide diagnoses as Compulsive Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania), Kleptomania and Pyromania. One of the most significant changes in the DSM-5 was the categorical re-classification of GD to a Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder. This was driven by a desire to be more scientific in determining appropriate criteria for GD by accounting for its similarities to other addictions, particularly substance dependence (National Research Council, 1999). The following review discusses the overlap between both classes of disorders and with a general†¦show more content†¦Much like substance abuse, pathological gambling can often take over an individual’s life and jeopardize their ability to fulfil, social, family or work-related responsibilities. For example, family discordance (Lorenz Y affee, 1986), and large debts and bankruptcies are highly common (Fong, 2005). 60 percent of pathological gamblers are also found to commit illegal acts to support their gambling (Rosenthal Lorenz, 1992). This makes the continuation of behaviours or activities despite their adverse consequences a key component that defines both pathological gamblers and substance abuser (Lesieur Rosenthal, 1991). As Shaffer and Korn (2003) note, people with kleptomania and pyromania are driven by impulse, and report a sense of relief once completing the behaviour. In contrast, pathological gamblers report experiencing enjoyment during the act, and often distress afterwards, once gambling’s ceases or losses are incurred. All this suggests that problem gamblers clinically resemble alcoholics or drug addicts. Comorbidity Gambling disorders high comorbidity with substance-related disorders also points to a link between them. For example, over 73% of individuals with GD also report having an alcohol use disorder and over 38% report having a drug use disorder (Petry, Stinson