Abstract

Pathological gambling is a disorder characterized by persistent, recurrent and maladaptive behavior that has serious consequences at a personal, familiar or workplace level. It is a disorder constantly growing which is associated with various psychiatric conditions, underlying maladaptive personality traits and dysfunctional biological aspects. Through a critical review of the literature, this survey seeks to examine the current knowledge about pathological gambling, with respect to prevalence, diagnostic classification and nosographic psychopathological features and specifications, and paths through which it develops. The various etiological hypotheses advanced are also examined and discussed for understanding the occurrence and maintenance of the disease and the different modes of intervention used to treat it.