Gambling, Pathological

Gambling, Pathological

Uncontrollable impulse to gamble, regardless of the problems caused in daily life.

Pathological gambling, a pattern of repeated gambling and preoccupation with gambling, often begins in adolescence in males, and somewhat later in females. In dividuals with this disorder often experience a progression in their gambling, becoming increasingly preoccupied with gambling, increasing the amounts wagered, and often continuing to gamble despite attempts to stop or control the behavior.

See also Impulse Control Disorders.