Problem gambling (ludomania) is an urge to gamble Gambling is the wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods. Typically, the outcome of the wager is evident within a short period despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. The term is preferred to compulsive gambling among many professionals,[citation needed] as few people described by the term experience true compulsions Obsessive–compulsive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety, or by combinations of such thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions). The symptoms of this anxiety disorder range from repetitive hand-washing and extensive hoarding to in the clinical sense of the word.[citation needed] Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others, rather than by the gambler's behavior. Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria. Although the term gambling addiction is common in the recovery movement[1] pathological gambling is considered to be an impulse control disorder Impulse control disorders are considered to be part of the obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum and is therefore not considered by the American Psychological Association The American Psychological Association is a professional organization representing psychologists in the U.S., with around 150,000 members and an annual budget of around $70m. The American Psychological Association is occasionally confused with the American Psychiatric Association, which also uses the acronym APA to be an addiction.[2]
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