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. 2009 Sep 1;3(3):111-119.
doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e31819b7bff.

Pathological Gambling: Biological and Clinical Considerations

Jocelyn L Topf  1 , Sarah W Yip, Marc N Potenza
Affiliations

Pathological Gambling: Biological and Clinical Considerations

Jocelyn L Topf et al. J Addict Med. .

Abstract

Pathological gambling (PG) is categorized as an impulse control disorder (ICD). Phenomenological, neurobiological and pharmacological data suggest similarities in the pathophysiologies of substance use disorders (SUDs) and PG. Both behavioral and pharmacological approaches, including those that have been empirically validated for SUDs, have shown promise in the treatment of PG. Findings from biological studies of PG are reviewed, and treatment approaches based on controlled studies are summarized.

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