Characteristics of Treatment Seeking Problem Gamblers with Adult ADHD

Session Title

Session 1-1-A: Treatment Stories

Presentation Type

Event

Location

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Start Date

28-5-2019 9:15 AM

End Date

28-5-2019 10:40 AM

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Mental Disorders | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Psychological Phenomena and Processes

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the characteristics of treatment seeking problem gamblers with adult ADHD and those without ADHD. Patients completed self-report questionnaires about gambling behaviors, impulsivity (UPPS-P), substance abuse (AUDIT/ DAST), emotional dysregulation (PHQ-4), illegal activities, and gambling consequences. Each patient received a structured diagnostic interview (MINI) to assess for psychopathology, adult ADHD (ACDS), and gambling disorder (NODS). This study sought to extend the findings from previous studies about ADHD and problem gambling by exploring with greater specificity the unique challenges encountered by problem gamblers with adult ADHD that would have clinical relevance for mental health providers. Results showed problem gamblers with adult ADHD encounter significantly more issues above those common among problem gamblers including more problems with alcohol/drug abuse and higher levels of impulsivity. Earlier age for first gambling activities, onset of gambling problems, and higher severity of gambling problems was found among gamblers with ADHD. Gamblers with ADHD pawned more items to obtain money for gambling, were more likely to have debt, had significantly higher rates of bankruptcy and domestic violence arising from conflict with family members about their gambling. Interestingly, groups did not differ significantly on their time spent gambling prior to treatment, their win-to-loss ratio, and a number of other gambling-related consequences. For the first time, norming data allowing cut-off scores and clinical application of the UPPS-P will be shared. These findings are discussed with their clinical ramifications for treatment.

Keywords

gambling disorder, ADHD, problem gambling

Author Bios

Dr. Rory Reid holds a master’s degree in social work and a doctorate in clinical psychology with a dual emphasis in Neuropsychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA and additional post-doctoral training in clinical research at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Reid also is an International Certified Gambling Counselor and currently a Research Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA. Additionally, he is the Clinical Innovation Specialist for the California Public Health Department Office of Problem Gambling. Dr. Reid has published numerous research articles on problem gambling in scientific journals and has worked with hundreds of individuals, couples, and families negatively impacted by various addictions and other mental health issues. His work has been featured in press outlets such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, TIME magazine, as well as TV specials on ABC, CBS and Fox News. He serves on the editorial boards for several peer-reviewed journals and has trained and educated mental health professionals, industry specialists, government organizations, and lay audiences around the world.

Funding Sources

California Public Health Department, Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, the Seminole Tribe of Florida

Competing Interests

None

Comments

This is 1 of 3 papers to be considered for a symposium consisting of 3 papers presented by Dr. Rory Reid, Dr. Timothy Fong, and Dr. Michael Campos from UCLA.

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May 28th, 9:15 AM May 28th, 10:40 AM

Characteristics of Treatment Seeking Problem Gamblers with Adult ADHD

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the characteristics of treatment seeking problem gamblers with adult ADHD and those without ADHD. Patients completed self-report questionnaires about gambling behaviors, impulsivity (UPPS-P), substance abuse (AUDIT/ DAST), emotional dysregulation (PHQ-4), illegal activities, and gambling consequences. Each patient received a structured diagnostic interview (MINI) to assess for psychopathology, adult ADHD (ACDS), and gambling disorder (NODS). This study sought to extend the findings from previous studies about ADHD and problem gambling by exploring with greater specificity the unique challenges encountered by problem gamblers with adult ADHD that would have clinical relevance for mental health providers. Results showed problem gamblers with adult ADHD encounter significantly more issues above those common among problem gamblers including more problems with alcohol/drug abuse and higher levels of impulsivity. Earlier age for first gambling activities, onset of gambling problems, and higher severity of gambling problems was found among gamblers with ADHD. Gamblers with ADHD pawned more items to obtain money for gambling, were more likely to have debt, had significantly higher rates of bankruptcy and domestic violence arising from conflict with family members about their gambling. Interestingly, groups did not differ significantly on their time spent gambling prior to treatment, their win-to-loss ratio, and a number of other gambling-related consequences. For the first time, norming data allowing cut-off scores and clinical application of the UPPS-P will be shared. These findings are discussed with their clinical ramifications for treatment.