Characteristics of Treatment Seeking Problem Gamblers with Adult ADHD

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the characteristics of treatment seeking problem gamblers with adult ADHD and those without ADHD. Patients completed self-report questionnaires about gambling behaviors, impulsivity (UPPS-P), substance abuse (AUDIT/ DAST), emotional dysregulation (PHQ-4), illegal activities, and gambling consequences. Each patient received a structured diagnostic interview (MINI) to assess for psychopathology, adult ADHD (ACDS), and gambling disorder (NODS). This study sought to extend the findings from previous studies about ADHD and problem gambling by exploring with greater specificity the unique challenges encountered by problem gamblers with adult ADHD that would have clinical relevance for mental health providers. Results showed problem gamblers with adult ADHD encounter significantly more issues above those common among problem gamblers including more problems with alcohol/drug abuse and higher levels of impulsivity. Earlier age for first gambling activities, onset of gambling problems, and higher severity of gambling problems was found among gamblers with ADHD. Gamblers with ADHD pawned more items to obtain money for gambling, were more likely to have debt, had significantly higher rates of bankruptcy and domestic violence arising from conflict with family members about their gambling. Interestingly, groups did not differ significantly on their time spent gambling prior to treatment, their win-to-loss ratio, and a number of other gambling-related consequences. For the first time, norming data allowing cut-off scores and clinical application of the UPPS-P will be shared. These findings are discussed with their clinical ramifications for treatment