"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Brian Castellani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.
More than two thirds of adults gamble on a regular basis. For most of these people, gambling is a relaxing activity and has no negative consequences. For others, however, gambling becomes a disorder, characterized by an irrepressible urge to wager money. It ultimately dominates the gambler's life and has a multitude of negative consequences for the gamblers themselves and their friends, families, and employers. Experts agree that the social costs of pathologic gambling are enormous.
It is estimated that 1.5 percent of the adult population gambles excessively. Given that the prevalence of gambling is related to the accessibility of gambling activities and that new forms of gambling are constantly being legalized throughout the United States and in most other Western countries, this figure is expected to rise. Pathologic gambling is currently one of the fastest-growing mental health problems in these parts of the world.
Surprisingly, it was only two decades ago that pathologic gambling was first recognized as a mental disorder. Some may wonder why acknowledgment of the psychiatric aspect of this disorder was so long delayed; others, however, may wonder whether gambling merits recognition as a disorder at all. In many ways, gambling seems fairly harmless. In fact, it is not the act of gambling itself that is harmful but, rather, the vicious cycle that is set into motion by gamblers' attempts to recuperate their losses. This cycle begins when a gambler wagers money he or she cannot afford to lose and then, through a fault of logic, continues to gamble in order to recuperate the loss. The gambler fails to understand that gambling is governed solely by random events. He or she attempts to control the outcome of the game by concocting strategies to "beat the game."
Pathological Gambling: The Making of a Medical Problem, which is divided into 14 chapters, presents a unique and refreshing perspective on its subject. Castellani begins by tracing the history of pathologic gambling and proceeds with an articulate, integrated, and complete description of the first formal treatment unit, created by the late Dr. Robert Custer. Castellani goes on to describe some of the sticky social controversies surrounding the legalization of gambling. In particular, he criticizes the dual role adopted by government, which attempts to protect the public by regulating gambling while simultaneously encouraging this lucrative activity. Castellani concludes, "We cannot continue to have government and business working hand-in-hand. Government needs to re-establish its role as government and initiate regulations that will protect the public."
Castellani also describes and appraises the pioneering work of eminent scientists and clinicians (such as Lesieur, Lorenz, Rosenthal, and Taber) who made substantial contributions to the recognition of pathologic gambling as an independent disorder. More important, Castellani provides convincing evidence that pathologic gambling is a complex disease with numerous causes. Indeed, in order to have a comprehensive and comprehensible body of knowledge about gambling, we must look to many disciplines, including sociology, psychology, psychiatry, economics, and social work, while also remembering moral, political, and legal issues. Castellani has provided us with just such a broad, comprehensive view of gambling in his brilliant, elegantly written book.
This book is an indispensable resource for both advocates and opponents of the biologic and psychosocial perspectives it discusses. It presents readers with new perspectives on the important social problems posed by pathologic gambling. Experts and laypeople alike will find food for thought in this book. The epilogue alone makes the book worth reading; it contains more than 30 recommendations that, according to the author, must be implemented if we are to move beyond current limitations of thinking about and caring for persons affected by pathologic gambling. As Castellani eloquently states, "The lives of those we care for -- from pathological gamblers and their families to the communities in which we live -- are at stake."
Robert Ladouceur, Ph.D.
Copyright © 2000 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 41877805-6
Book Description Condition: Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 2912391-6
Book Description Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 4-0791445216-G
Book Description Condition: Good. Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. Seller Inventory # Z1-F-049-00012
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fine. hardcover in fine condition. Seller Inventory # 8139
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Like New. Like New. book. Seller Inventory # ERICA77307914452166