Correlates of frequent gambling and gambling-related chasing behaviors in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders Cover Image

Correlates of frequent gambling and gambling-related chasing behaviors in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders
Correlates of frequent gambling and gambling-related chasing behaviors in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

Author(s): Igor Yakovenko, Rebecca Fortgang, Jennifer Prentice, Rani A. Hoff, Marc N. Potenza
Subject(s): Behaviorism
Published by: Akadémiai Kiadó
Keywords: schizophrenia; disordered gambling; pathological gambling; comorbidity; chasing

Summary/Abstract: Background and aims. Published research on the relationship between disordered gambling and schizophrenia is limited. However, existing data suggest that individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder may have a high prevalence of co-occurring disordered gambling. As such, effective strategies for screening and assessing gambling-related problems in individuals with psychosis are needed. The goal of this study was to explore the correlates of increased gambling frequency and chasing behavior, a hallmark feature of gambling disorder, in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Methods. Data from 336 participants who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were used to examine differences between non-gamblers, infrequent gamblers, frequent gamblers who do not report chasing, and frequent gamblers who report chasing on a variety of associated features and symptoms of schizophrenia and disordered gambling. Results and discussion. The results of the study support the conclusion that chasing behavior in individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder lies on a continuum of severity, with more frequent gamblers endorsing greater chasing. Chasing was also associated with indicators of lower functioning across co-occurring disorders, such as greater problems with alcohol and drugs, greater gambling involvement, and a family history of gambling problems. The findings from the study suggest the utility of screening for chasing behavior as a brief and efficient strategy for assessing risk of gambling problems in individuals with psychotic-spectrum disorders.

  • Issue Year: 7/2018
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 375-383
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: English
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