Cited by 448Gambling Behavior and TreatmentsSubstance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesObsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

Similarities and differences between pathological gambling and substance use disorders: a focus on impulsivity and compulsivity

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Leeman, Robert F., Potenza, Marc N.·2012·Psychopharmacology

Abstract

Rationale Pathological gambling (PG) has recently been considered as a "behavioral" or nonsubstance addiction. A comparison of the characteristics of PG and substance use disorders (SUDs) has clinical ramifications and could help advance future research on these conditions. Specific relationships with impulsivity and compulsivity may be central to understanding PG and SUDs.Objectives This review was conducted to compare and contrast research findings in PG and SUDs pertaining to neurocognitive tasks, brain function, and neurochemistry, with a focus on impulsivity and compulsivity.Results Multiple similarities were found between PG and SUDs, including poor performance on neurocognitive tasks, specifically with respect to impulsive choice and response tendencies and compulsive features (e.g., response perseveration and action with diminished relationship to goals or reward). Findings suggest dysfunction involving similar brain regions, including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and striatum and similar neurotransmitter systems, including dopaminergic and serotonergic. Unique features exist which may in part reflect influences of acute or chronic exposures to specific substances.Conclusions Both similarities and differences exist between PG and SUDs. Understanding these similarities more precisely may facilitate treatment development across addictions, whereas understanding differences may provide insight into treatment development for specific disorders. Individual differences in features of impulsivity and compulsivity may represent important endophenotypic targets for prevention and treatment strategies.

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  1. Fisher GL Roget NA Encyclopedia of substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery 2008 volume 2 Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications

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Authors
Leeman, R. F., & Potenza, M. N.
Affiliations
Yale University (US)
Corresponding author
Leeman, Robert F.
Venue
Psychopharmacology
Published
2011-11-05
Volume
219
Issue
2
Pages
469-490
ISSN
  • 0033-3158 (ISSN-L)
  • 1432-2072
OpenAlex
W1991472243
Cited by
448
References
248
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 20 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 65 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 30 · 2017: 35 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 42 · 2014: 49 · 2013: 36 · 2012: 12
FWCI
33.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Psychopharmacology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5rc1da028279-02)
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (K01AA019694, K05AA014715)
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01DA019039, P20DA027844, RC1-DA028279)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
Keywords
gambling addiction, substance use disorders, impulsivity, compulsivity, impulsive choice, response perseveration, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, striatum, dopaminergic system, serotonergic system, neurocognitive impairment, addiction treatment, endophenotypes
MeSH terms
Brain, Brain Mapping, Compulsive Behavior, Decision Making, Gambling, Humans, Impulsive Behavior, Neuropsychological Tests, Neurotransmitter Agents, Substance-Related Disorders

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