Epidemiología y factores implicados en el juego patológico

Abstract

Pathological gambling has been recognized as a mental disorder with explicit diagnostic signs and symptoms. It constitutes an important mental health issue in Spain and in other developed countries. Existing prevalence studies are analyzed in relation to the different diagnostic criteria that have been used to assess the pathological gambling up to the moment. The condition is widely prevalent and is likely to increase its incidence in the future. The literature on epidemiology, diagnostic signs and symptoms, sub-varieties, and factors involved in the pathological gambling is reviewed.