Abstract
Level and type of impulsivity are essential variables to be taken into consideration during the initial evaluation of a pathological
gambler. The aim of this study was to measure the score for 4 impulsivity-related traits (Urgency, (lack of) Premeditation,
(lack of) Perseverance and Sensation seeking) in a sample group of at-risk and pathological gamblers, and to highlight any
links with certain elements of clinical data. The UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale was administered to 84 problem gamblers seeking
treatment. The severity of gambling disorders was evaluated using the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV. Psychiatric and addictive
comorbidities were also explored. The results indicated that the score for the Urgency facet had a positive correlation with
the severity of gambling disorders. It appeared that participants displayed different clinical profiles according to the level
and type of impulsivity. Several of the UPPS scales were identified as risk factors for mood disorders, risk of suicide, alcohol
use disorders, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The results confirm both the complexity of the multi-dimensional
concept of impulsivity and the reason why the UPPS is of interest for a more in-depth study of the subject.
gambler. The aim of this study was to measure the score for 4 impulsivity-related traits (Urgency, (lack of) Premeditation,
(lack of) Perseverance and Sensation seeking) in a sample group of at-risk and pathological gamblers, and to highlight any
links with certain elements of clinical data. The UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale was administered to 84 problem gamblers seeking
treatment. The severity of gambling disorders was evaluated using the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV. Psychiatric and addictive
comorbidities were also explored. The results indicated that the score for the Urgency facet had a positive correlation with
the severity of gambling disorders. It appeared that participants displayed different clinical profiles according to the level
and type of impulsivity. Several of the UPPS scales were identified as risk factors for mood disorders, risk of suicide, alcohol
use disorders, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The results confirm both the complexity of the multi-dimensional
concept of impulsivity and the reason why the UPPS is of interest for a more in-depth study of the subject.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10899-011-9258-9
- Authors
- Marie Grall-Bronnec, Centre de référence sur le jeu excessif. Pôle Universitaire d’Addictologie et de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Saint Jacques, 85, rue Saint Jacques, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
- Laura Wainstein, Centre de référence sur le jeu excessif. Pôle Universitaire d’Addictologie et de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Saint Jacques, 85, rue Saint Jacques, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
- Fanny Feuillet, EA 4275 Biostatistiques, Recherche clinique et Mesures subjectives en santé, UFR de Pharmacie, 1, rue Gaston Veil. BP 53508, 44035 Nantes cedex 1, France
- Gaëlle Bouju, Centre de référence sur le jeu excessif. Pôle Universitaire d’Addictologie et de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Saint Jacques, 85, rue Saint Jacques, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
- Bruno Rocher, Centre de référence sur le jeu excessif. Pôle Universitaire d’Addictologie et de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Saint Jacques, 85, rue Saint Jacques, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
- Jean-Luc Vénisse, Centre de référence sur le jeu excessif. Pôle Universitaire d’Addictologie et de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Saint Jacques, 85, rue Saint Jacques, 44093 Nantes cedex 1, France
- Véronique Sébille-Rivain, EA 4275 Biostatistiques, Recherche clinique et Mesures subjectives en santé, UFR de Pharmacie, 1, rue Gaston Veil. BP 53508, 44035 Nantes cedex 1, France
- Journal Journal of Gambling Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-3602
- Print ISSN 1050-5350