Problem Gambling: Can Subtle Physiological Reactions To Wins And Losses Help Identify The Problem Gambler?

问题赌博是一个主要的公共卫生问题，影响3%-6%的成年人口，生产力委员会（1999年）详细说明了许多相关的后果，包括严重抑郁症，自杀，药物滥用，婚姻和家庭功能障碍以及家庭暴力。问题赌博也对伴侣和孩子的身心健康产生有害的长期影响。弱势群体包括青少年和年轻人、社会经济弱势群体和特定的少数民族。该项目的重点是识别问题赌徒特有的生理模式，这是为高危人群开发早期筛查测试和及时干预的重要第一步。

Problem gambling is a major public health issue affecting 3%-6% of the adult population with the Productivity Commission (1999) detailing many associated consequences including major depression, suicide, substance abuse, marital and familial dysfunction and domestic violence. Problem gambling also has deleterious, long term effects on the mental and physical health of partners and children. Vulnerable groups include adolescents and young adults, socio-economically disadvantaged subpopulations, and specific ethnic minorities. The project's focus on identifying physiological patterns specific to problem gamblers represents an important first step in the development of an early screening test and timely interventions for at-risk individuals.