Behavioural Addictions

Question 1

What are the types of behavioural addictions?

Answer 1

• Gambling (in the DSM-5)
• Internet gaming (in section III of DSM-5)
• Internet
• Social networking
• Texting
• Shopping
• Sex
• Exercise
• Eating

Question 2

What is gambling disorder?

Answer 2

• DSM5: “gambling disorder is similar to substance-related disorders in clinical expression, brain origin, comorbidity, physiology, and treatment “
• Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by four (or more) of the following in a 12-month period.

Question 3

What are the behavioural components of gaming disorder?

Answer 3

1. Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
2. Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
3. Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
4. 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).
5. Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
6. After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses).
7. Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
8. Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
9. Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Question 4

What is the prevalence of gambling disorder?

Answer 4

1.2-1.9% of Adults in Canada

Question 5

What is the comorbidity of gambling disorder?

Answer 5

• Personality disorders (obsessive-compulsive,
  avoidant, etc.)
• Anxiety disorders
• Mood disorders
• Substance Use disorders

Question 6

Does internet gaming meet the criteria for an addiction?

Answer 6

yes
- Substance Abuse ✓
- Physical dependence ✓ (Drug tolerance and
Withdrawal)
- Psychological dependence ✓
- Harm ✓

Question 7

What does Internet gaming addiction look like?

Answer 7

Expected relief of withdrawal symptoms when gaming

Craving due to the expectation of a positive outcome of gaming

Question 8

Is gaming addiction similar to gambling addiction?

Answer 8

11.9% met at least 3 of the criteria for gambling addiction