Gambling is considered pathological when the individual is chronically and progressively unable to resist the impulse to gamble, and it disrupts or damages personal and family life. Psychology of gambling . As with other impulse disorders there is an increased sense of tension before, and a re-experience of pleasure or release upon committing the act. Unlike impulsive exhibitionism, the act may be consciously desired and may not be followed by guilt. By contrast the pathological gambler is driven and unable to stop when winning, and experiences a more intense cycle of pleasure and painful tension.
Gamblers have personality features in common with other habitual risk-takers.
Tourette Syndrome and Human Behavior. Like the proposal that alcohol may be used to self-medicate depression, for many gamblers, gambling was the only activity that elevated their depressed mood. Drugs used for depression, such as lithium and antidepressants, have been effective in treating pathological gambling. Tourette Syndrome and Human Behavior. The ending of a love affair is a classic example.