An individual goes to a casino two weekends every year. While there, she usually loses several thousand dollars gambling. Between casino visits, she neither gambles nor thinks much about gambling. Which statement is the MOST accurate assessment of this behavior?
A) This behavior is not a gambling disorder.
B) This behavior may not be gambling disorder because the person doesn't gamble often enough.
C) This behavior may not be gambling disorder because the person doesn't lose enough money.
D) This behavior is a gambling disorder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gambling disorder is characterized by a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. The key aspects include a preoccupation with gambling, needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement, and unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling. The individual described does not exhibit these behaviors consistently, as they only gamble twice a year and do not think about gambling in between. The frequency and the financial loss, while significant during those times, do not alone determine a gambling disorder without considering the broader impact on the individual's life and their ability to control the behavior.

An Individual Goes to a Casino Two Weekends Every Year