ABSTRACT
Adolescent pathological gambling is an underrecognized psychiatric disorder. Given the rapid expansion of legalized gambling in the United States, there is an increased need to identify and treat pathological gamblers. Mental health professionals need to know how to identify problem gambling, because the consequences can be devastating. Current epidemiological data suggest that rates of adolescent pathological gambling are two to four times higher than those for adults. Specifically, 4–8% of adolescents meet criteria for pathological gambling, a figure that has been replicated in different settings. Distinguishing between pathological gambling and age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate gambling can be based on clinical history and the use of objective screening tools. Currently, treatment and prevention strategies for adolescent pathological gambling are based on experience derived with an adult population. As a result, there is a lack of adolescent-specific empirical treatments geared for adolescent gamblers. This review describes the latest knowledge base for assessment, management, and prevention of pathological gambling.
