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The Genetics of Gambling and Behavioral Addictions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Daniela S.S. Lobo  and
James L. Kennedy
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Abstract

Behavioral addictions are considered as the repetitive occurrence of impulsive behaviors without consideration of their potential negative consequences. These addictions represent an increasing cost to society and are an important new field of research in psychiatric genetics. There has been a growing body of evidence on the familial aggregation and genetic influences on the development of behavioral addictions and mainly on pathological gambling. The aim of this article is to critically review findings of family and molecular genetic studies on behavioral addictions, focusing on pathological gambling and commenting on other disorders where appropriate. This review provides a comprehensive approach to genetic studies on behavioral addiction and points out the necessity of expanding the genetic research in this field. Future directions for genetic studies in this field are also discussed.

Type
Review Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 11 , Issue 12 , December 2006 , pp. 931 - 939
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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