天美传媒

Behavioral addictions, such as gambling and gaming disorder, are increasingly recognized as significant public health issues. Research addresses diagnostic criteria, neurobiology, psychosocial interventions, and digital therapy tools. This article reviews five domains: gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, neurobiological mechanisms, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and digital interventions.

Key Research Areas

Gambling Disorder

Characterized by loss of control and financial harm [1].

Internet Gaming Disorder

Recognized by WHO as a behavioral addiction [2].

Neurobiology of Behavioral Addictions

Similar reward pathways as substance use disorders are activated [3].

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT is the most evidence-based treatment for behavioral addictions [4].

Digital Interventions

Apps and online therapies are being developed for accessibility [5].

REFERENCES

1. Potenza MN. The neurobiology of pathological gambling. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 2008; 9: 741–752.
2. Petry NM. Internet gaming disorder and the DSM-5. Addiction 2013; 108: 1186–1187.
3. Grant JE, Chamberlain SR, Potenza MN. Expanding the definition of addiction. Addiction 2016; 111: 1323–1325.
4. Cowlishaw S, et al. Psychological therapies for pathological and problem gambling. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012; 1: CD008931.
5. Gainsbury SM, et al. Online interventions for gambling disorders. Addiction 2015; 110: 1416–1424.