50.1 An Introduction to Behavioral Addictions: Concepts and the Example of Gambling Disorder

Reward-driven behaviors, such as gambling, video gaming, and internet usage, share a common thread with addictive drugs in that they initially engender a subjective reward experience. They may be performed for tension reduction, and in some individuals they can progress to compulsive behaviors with significant impairment. One of the major nosological and theoretical viewpoints frames these compulsive behaviors as nonsubstance/behavioral addictions. Although this viewpoint is not without controversy, the concept of nonsubstance/behavioral addictions or syndromes analogous to substance addiction, but with a behavioral focus (eg, gambling), may help child mental health providers.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research