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Gambling - is it pathological or recreational?
The
specified diagnostic criteria for each mental disorder are offered as
guidelines for making diagnoses, because it has been demonstrated that the
use of such criteria enhances agreement among clinicians and investigators.
The proper use of these criteria requires specialized clinical training that
provides both a body of knowledge and clinical skills.
DSM IV Criteria -
Pathological Gambling
A. Persistent and
recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five (or more)
of the following:
| 1 |
is preoccupied with gambling
(e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences,
handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to
get money with which to gamble)
|
| 2 |
needs to gamble with
increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired
excitement
|
| 3 |
has repeated unsuccessful
efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
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| 4 |
is restless or irritable when
attempting to cut down or stop gambling
|
| 5 |
gambles as a way of escaping
from problems or of relieving a dysphoric
mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)
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| 6 |
after losing money gambling,
often returns another day to get even ("chasing" one's losses)
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| 7 |
lies to family members,
therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with
gambling
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| 8 |
has committed illegal
acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance
gambling
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| 9 |
has jeopardized or lost a
significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity
because of gambling
|
| 10 |
relies on others to provide
money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling |
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B. The gambling behavior is not better accounted for
by a Manic Episode.
You must meet 5 or more criteria to
qualify for assistance.
Contact Maryann by
info@gamblinghelpaz.com
or (520)
405-2842
"THERE
IS HOPE.....I CAN HELP....."
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