Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (10): 1172-1178.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.10.007

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Psychological and behavioral characteristics of gambling disorder and related health service system

GAN Zheng1, LIU Lian2()   

  1. 1. School of Physical Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
    2. School of Physical Education, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
  • Received:2024-09-29 Published:2024-10-25 Online:2024-11-08
  • Contact: LIU Lian, E-mail: 02417@zjhu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Social Science Fund of China (Youth)(19CTY001)

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the psychological and behavioral manifestations of gambling disorder and its implications for health services.

Methods International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) were employed to analyze the psychological, behavioral and functional impacts of gambling disorder. World Health Organization (WHO) mental health policy documents and gambling disorder-related health services were systematically reviewed, encompassing Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, mhGAP Intervention Guide 2.0, UN Mental Health and Human Rights Action Plan and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A health service system tailored for gambling disorder was constructed, drawing upon the WHO Rehabilitation in Health Systems framework.

Results Gambling disorders primarily characterized with impaired control, escalating bets (tolerance), repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit, gambling as an escape mechanism, and the persistent detrimental effects of gambling on personal, familial and social functioning. Individuals with gambling disorder impaired in attention, decision-making and emotional regulation, leading to poor work performance and social relationship. Environmental factors were very important that family and social support systems fostered recovery, while gambling environments, socioeconomic pressures and other adverse factors exacerbated addiction. The WHO health service for gambling disorder included prevention, intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion. The health service system included six building blocks: leadership and governance, financing, mental health workforce development, service delivery, medical products and technologies, and health information systems.

Conclusion Gambling disorder may impair attention, decision-making and emotional function, and diminish work productivity and social relationship. Environmental factors play a pivotal role. Health-related services for gambling disorder should encompass prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion, necessitating a comprehensive health service system addressing leadership and governance, financing, workforce, service delivery, medical products and technologies, and health information systems.

Key words: gambling disorder, psychological behavior characteristics, health-related services

CLC Number: