Young adult gambling behaviors and their relationship with the persistence of ADHD

J Gambl Stud. 2009 Jun;25(2):227-38. doi: 10.1007/s10899-009-9126-z. Epub 2009 Mar 13.

Abstract

Young adulthood is a period renowned for engagement in impulsive and risky behaviors, including gambling. There are some indications that young adults exhibit higher gambling rates in comparison to older adults. Problem gambling has also been linked to ADHD. This longitudinal study examines the relationship between gambling and ADHD among an epidemiological sample of young adults (n = 235; males = 179, females = 56) aged 18-24. Results indicate that individuals who report childhood ADHD symptoms which persist into young adulthood experience greater gambling problem severity than participants with no ADHD or those with non-persistent ADHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Behavior, Addictive / epidemiology*
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology
  • Child
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult