Research Study Shows Gambling Disorder Affects The Brain’s Control, Reward Systems
A new doctoral dissertation revealed that gambling disorder alters the brain networks involved in self-control and brain reward functions. The study provides insight into why some people can control their gambling habits while others are unable to.
Gambling Disorder Affects Brain Activity, Chemical Signaling
Gambling disorder, also known as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling, is a pattern of addictive behavior related to betting that causes harm to the gambler, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The mental health disorder affects around 1-2% of adults worldwide. Only one in ten people with gambling disorder seek treatment.
People with gambling disorder and healthy individuals were the participants in the research study. Brain structure, brain activity, and chemical signaling were monitored for the two independent datasets.
In his dissertation research, Doctoral Researcher Albert Bellmunt Gil from the University of Turku in Finland studied the “frontal lobe and striatum, areas of the brain that regulate self-control, decision-making, and brain reward functions,” per News Medical Life Sciences.
Key Brain Reward Nucleus Is Weaker Than Normal
The results showed that connections between the frontal cortex and subcortical brain regions is weaker in individuals who are suffering from gambling disorder in comparison to healthy people.
“In particular, connections between the dorsolateral frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens – the key brain reward nucleus – were weaker than normal, which may make it harder to stop gambling once urges arise,” said Bellmunt Gil.
“People with gambling disorder also had brain structural abnormalities within the fronto-striatal circuit, which may represent an underlying vulnerability to developing gambling disorder or they are caused by long-term excessive gambling.”
Although the findings related to serotonin and opioid function suggest that medications could be beneficial, further research is needed on gambling disorder test subjects.
“Our results show that gambling disorder is associated with measurable changes in brain areas that regulate control, reward, and habits,” Bellmunt Gil added. “Understanding these brain mechanisms can help reduce stigma and support the development of more effective treatments.”
Gambling Addiction Is Not A Matter Of Willpower
The dissertation study shows that gambling disorder is more about the changes in brain function and structure rather than the inability for individuals to control their own actions or emotions.
Understanding these disrupted connections in the brain could help pave the way for better prevention strategies and more effective treatments for gambling disorder.
There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat compulsive gambling.
Responsible gambling initiatives, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, remain available for those seeking help.
A national helpline is also available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), which is operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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