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In 1979, the America Psychiatric Association officially recognized compulsive gambling, also known as pathological gambling, as a personality disorder, and in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, describes it as a disorder of impulse control:
"The essential features are a chronic, progressive failure to resist impulses to gamble and gambling behavior that compromises, disrupts, or damages personal, family or vocation pursuits. Problems that arise as a result of gambling lead to an intensification of the gambling behavior. Characteristic problems include loss of work due to absences in order to gamble, defaulting on debts and other financial responsibilities, disrupted family relationships, borrowing money from illegal sources, forgery, fraud, embezzlement, and income tax evasion."
Do you ...
* Gamble more often, or with more money, than you intend?
* Chase losses?
* Neglect family, friends self or work in order to gamble?
* Gamble to escape worries or troubles?
* Constantly think of gambling?
* Hope for a "big win" to resolve financial or other problems?
* Borrow money or juggle funds to gamble or pay debts?
* Have conflicts with others over money or gambling?
* Have mood swings because of your gambling, or experience anger, depression, suicidal thoughts or anxiety?
* Continue to gamble despite negative consequences and efforts at control?
If you would like support to cut down, or to stop gambling, consult Gamblers Anonymous or your medical advisor.