Based on the theorized role of a specific neurotransmitter in compulsive behaviors, predict the most likely therapeutic goal of the treatment described in the case study below and explain the reasoning behind it.

Neurochemical Intervention for Compulsive Behavior

Serotonin deficiencies may play a role in the development of gambling addiction. It is theorized that insufficient levels of this neurotransmitter could be a contributing factor to compulsive behaviors in general, which can manifest as a gambling disorder.

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Gambling disorder causes the individual to have strong impulses to gamble regardless of the adverse outcomes to the person with the disorder or to others. Some features of gambling disorder are being dishonest about the amount of money they lost, rushing after a losing bet, and engaging in criminal behavior to acquire money for gambling. 

Gambling Disorder

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

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* Additional Cognitive Distortions 


Cognitive Distortions in Individuals with Gambling Disorder

Research indicates that gambling affects the brain in a manner nearly identical to addictive substances like cocaine and heroin. This connection is rooted in the activation of the brain's reward centers, which utilize the neurotransmitter dopamine. This neuroscientific evidence suggests that problem gambling may result from a combination of brain chemistry and reinforcement schedules.

Neurobiological Similarities Between Gambling and Drug Addiction

A significant finding in gambling research is the 'near miss' effect, where the experience of almost winning is sufficient to activate the brain's reward centers. This phenomenon, which triggers a dopamine 'rush' in areas like the ventral striatum, reinforces gambling behavior even in the absence of an actual win, contributing to the persistence and addictive nature of gambling.

'Near Miss' Effect in Gambling

Reflecting growing neuroscientific evidence, the DSM-5 reclassified gambling disorder from an impulse control disorder to an addiction. This significant change was prompted by research demonstrating that gambling produces brain effects, particularly in dopamine-related reward pathways, that are nearly identical to those caused by addictive substances.

Reclassification of Gambling Disorder in DSM-5

In addition to dopamine, the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is also implicated in gambling disorder. Norepinephrine is released during experiences of stress, arousal, or thrill. One hypothesis suggests that pathological gamblers may engage in gambling as a way to elevate their levels of this neurotransmitter, thereby seeking out the associated feelings of excitement.

Role of Norepinephrine in Gambling Disorder

Role of Serotonin in Gambling Disorder

It is difficult to determine the causal relationship between brain chemistry and gambling addiction. While it's possible that pre-existing brain differences lead to the disorder, it is equally plausible that the act of gambling itself alters neurotransmitter levels. The true cause is hard to ascertain due to the ethical impossibility of conducting experiments that would induce problem gambling in participants. Furthermore, a confounding variable could potentially explain both the addiction and the observed brain chemistry differences.

Uncertain Causality Between Brain Differences and Gambling Disorder

Read the following scenario. Based on the characteristics of gambling disorder, identify at least two specific behaviors exhibited by Alex that are indicative of the disorder and explain your reasoning.

Identifying Features of Gambling Disorder

Read the following scenario and analyze the individual's behavior. Identify two distinct features described that are characteristic of a gambling-related disorder and explain how the individual's actions demonstrate each feature.

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