Description
The nationally representative British Gambling Prevalence Survey of 20101 indicates 0.9% of
individuals in Britain meet the criteria for problem gambling, equating to approximately 451,000
adults. However, individuals who are problem gamblers are known to present to their GPs
with associated problems without disclosing the underlying condition2 (Sullivan, Arroll, Coster
& Abbott, 1998). Pride, shame and denial are factors that non-treatment seeking problem
gamblers identify as barriers against them seeking treatment.3, 4 This disorder is therefore
hugely challenging for professionals to identify and respond appropriately to. This article
will outline the current DSM-IV criteria for Pathological Gambling, describe a simple, easy to
administer screening tool, and explain common co-morbidities. Treatment is then discussed in
terms of empirically supported approaches and what is currently available in the UK.
