According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, problem and pathological gambling affects about 5 million to 15 million Americans. It is common in young people and is not restricted to any particular social class.
Symptoms
A problem gambler has an increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to increase the amount of money gambled and the frequency with which it is gambled, and becomes irritated or restless when attempting to stop gambling.
Precipitating Factors
Factors such as the loss of a job or retirement can precipitate problem gambling.
Age and Gender
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, pathological gambling typically is seen in males ages 21 to 55.
Alcohol
Heavy drinkers and alcoholics have a higher incidence of pathological gambling than nondrinkers.
Depressive Disorders
People who are problem gamblers have a higher incidence of having major depressive episodes in their lives.
Impulse Control
People who have problems with impulse control have similar personality characteristics as problem gamblers.
