Insights about pathological gamblers. 'Chasing losses' in spite of the consequences.

In the United States, a small but growing portion of the adult population are pathological gamblers. The majority are men (about one third are women). Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third revised edition, defines pathological gambling as a disorder of impulse control, diagnostic criteria and treatment are modeled after psychoactive substance dependence. About half of pathological gamblers have a history of alcoholism or substance abuse, and accompanying mood disorders (eg, major depression, bipolar disorder) are common. Once diagnosed, pathological gambling is highly treatable.