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Characteristics of Pathological Gamblers with a Problem Gambling Parent
Author(s) -
Schreiber Liana,
Odlaug Brian L.,
Won Kim Suck,
Grant Jon E.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.3109/10550490903206007
Subject(s) - pathological , psychology , social psychology , developmental psychology , medicine , pathology
This analysis compares the characteristics of adult pathological gamblers with and without a problem gambling parent. A sample of 517 individuals with current DSM‐TV pathological gambling was categorized based on presence of a parental problem gambler. Groups were compared on clinical characteristics, gambling severity, gambling‐related problems, and psychiatric comorbidity. Although the groups were similar on most measures, pathological gamblers with at least one problem gambling parent were more likely to have a father with an alcohol abuse/dependence problem; have financial and legal problems; and report daily nicotine use. Females with a problem gambling parent had significantly earlier onset of gambling behavior, were significantly more likely to have a father with an alcohol use disorder, and were significantly more likely to have financial problems secondary to gambling than females without a problem gambling parent. Males with a problem gambling parent were significantly more likely to have a father with an alcohol use disorder and have legal problems secondary to gambling compared to males without a problem gambling parent. Treatment approaches may need to be tailored for specific problems secondary to gambling and gender issues based on the history of having a problem gambling parent.