In order to effectively treat problem gambling, it is important to first understand it. Researchers around the world are working hard to get to the root of the issue, and a new study has made a significant discovery. At Monash University, a group of researchers have found a link between problem gambling and personality disorders.
Meredith Brown and her research team have discovered that many individuals who are addicted to gambling may also have personality disorders. Antisocial, borderline, histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders can be found in individuals who have problems controlling their gambling. Many of the same social and biological factors are at work behind the development of gambling addictions and personality disorders.
For example difficult childhoods, substance abuse and uncontrollable emotions can all lead to personality disorders and problem gambling. Individuals with either affliction also have similar emotional issues, such as low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, dissociation and social isolation. The finding has prompted Brown and her team to recommend personality disorder screening for problem gamblers.
This is because the underlying personality disorder may need treating in order to help the patient fully kick their unhealthy gambling habits. Counsellors and clinicians will be better able to prescribe treatments and interventions with a higher success rate.
“The fact that problem gambling and high levels of psychopathology often go together indicates a need to undertake routine and systematic screening and assessment of problem gamblers who sign up for treatment,” said Brown. “Because the clinical picture of people with gambling problems who also suffer from personality disorders is more complicated, their successful treatment is also more difficult.”
This research offers up ground breaking insight into gambling addiction. We are hopeful that these findings will help to treat players with unhealthy gambling habits.
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