Overview
“Gambling disorder” is the term used by the DSM-5 in reference to persistent gambling compulsions. Specifically, it’s defined as:
“Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting four (or more) of the following in a 12-month period:”
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“needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement”
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“is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling”
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“Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.”
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“Is often preoccupied with gambling”
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“Often gambles when feeling distressed”
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“After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even”
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“Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling”
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“Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling”
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“Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling”
History and Etymlogy
The DSM-IV instead used the term “Pathological Gambling” that was put under “Impulse-Control Disorders Not Classified Elsewhere” as a Disorder Class rather than the “Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders” under the DSM-5.