Diagnostic Criteria

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria For 312.31
Gambling Disorder

A. Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the individual exhibiting four (or more) of the following in a 12-month period:

  1. Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
  2. Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
  3. Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
  4. Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
  5. Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed)
  6. After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses)
  7. Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
  8. Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
  9. Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling

B. The gambling behavior is not better accounted for by a Manic Episode.