Gambling Self Test

The diagnostic criteria for Pathological Gambling [312.31] are listed below.

• Preoccupation Preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
• Tolerance Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
• Withdrawal Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
• Escape Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or relieving dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression)
• Chasing After losing money gambling Often returns another day in order to get even ("chasing one's losses"). Chasing is a classical behavior pattern characterizing pathological gambling.
• Lying Lies to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
• Illegal acts Has committed illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement) in order to finance gambling
• Risked significant relationship Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
• Bailout Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
• Loss of control Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling