Problemi di trattamento dei giocatori d'azzardo patologici

Pathological gambling is a seriously impairing, chronic and progressive disorder. It is linked together with high rates of suicidal attempts. In Italy, new kinds of legal games have recently been introduced on a national basis, while on-line games are going to reach greater and greater importance. More accessible games raise the problem of possibly increased prevalence-rates of gambling. This disorder is frequently under-diagnosed and often co-morbid with other psychiatric disorders. Thus, considering social, economic and psychological consequences involved by pathological gambling as well, we thought of a specific literature review to be useful, particularly focusing on treatment issues. A number of different therapeutic and rehabilitative strategies have been utilized according to both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral patterns or based on self-help and family support. Drug treatment of pathological gambling first implies the use of SSRIs, as they carry out an improvement or abstinence of a number of patients. But controlled trials are still relatively scarce.