definition of pathological gambling disorder

An important element to consider concerns the behavioural deficits of patients with GD and the tools used to investigate them: in particular, this chapter analyses the role of the IGT in the assessment of EFs and, specifically, in reward sensitivity.

The cognitive functioning of subjects with GD was deepened, both through the study of the cerebral correlates of executive functioning (with a focus on the frontal lobe) in individuals with GD and through empirical studies that investigate the behavioural deficits of these individuals. First of all, the diagnostic criteria concerning GD were analysed and then the involvement of EFs in the present disorder was investigated. Furthermore, investigating the executive functioning of subjects with GD provides important information that can influence the treatment setting of these population. The need to use different methodologies to investigate the complex phenomenon of pathological Gambling Disorder (GD) arises from a substantial difference in the literature results emerging in this area.

A depth analysis of executive functions (EFs) in the context of pathological gambling disorder was conducted.

Definition of pathological gambling disorder