Pathological gambling: History and neuroanatomical and pathophysiological bases

Abstract

Pathological gambling is currently classified within addictions and is clinically related to other impulse control disorders, without making a marked differentiation with substance addictions. Although gaming is an essential human activity, the historical characterization of this entity is not well established until the 20th century. The etiopathogenesis of gambling disorders, problematic or pathological gambling, is multifactorial and includes biological, socioeconomic and environmental elements. From the anatomical and pathophysiological point of view, the mesolimbic dopaminergic systems are the structures most closely related to the appearance of this group of disorders.