The WAGER, Vol. 1(5) – Comparing DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling and substance dependence

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The following items represent the current American Psychiatric Association (A.P.A.) criteria for determining a diagnosis of pathological gambling or substance dependence. Since 1980, the A.P.A. has considered pathological gambling to be an impulse-control disorder. However, in spite of similarities, the A.P.A. categorizes substance dependence as a substance-related disorder. It is interesting to consider the similarities and differences between these sets of criteria given the psychological, biological and social factors that contribute to these two disorders.

Source: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, Fourth Edition. (1994). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.

This public education project is funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

This fax may be copied without permission. Please cite The WAGER as the source.

For more information contact the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, 190 High Street, Suite 6, Boston, MA 02110.


One thought on “The WAGER, Vol. 1(5) – Comparing DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling and substance dependence

  1. David Schillo Reply

    Nice comparison between Pathological Gambling and Substance Dependence. I appreciate your blog its an interesting and it attracts other peoples to read this blog.

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