Study defines profile of pathological gamblers.

For every male pathological gambler, there is a woman with the problem. But the development of the disorder in women is three times faster than in men. They start gambling around the age of 30. In two or three years, the disorder takes hold. Two more years and they seek help for treatment.
Men start gambling earlier. They place their first bets between the ages of 18 and 20. But the disease takes ten years to develop – they are only ill at age 30. Men take around five years to seek treatment.
Since 1998, more than 300 patients have been treated at the Pathological Gambling Clinic (Amjo) of the Institute of Psychiatry (IPq) at the Hospital das Clínicas. Treatment usually takes a year; the goal is abstinence from gambling. Each patient undergoes 40 weekly sessions of individual psychotherapy. Within six months, the person already exhibits fewer gambling-related behaviors and is able to control their relationship with gambling. "Self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, make the treatment more consistent and faster," says neuropsychologist Daniel Fuentes, from the IPq clinic.
Amjo is currently accepting screenings to treat pathological gamblers. The service is free. To register, you need to call the clinic and leave a message on the answering machine. One of the professionals will call you back to schedule a screening appointment. Amjo has a special interest in women, as the team is conducting research analyzing the disease in females.
The Gamblers Anonymous self-help group organizes meetings in various locations in the capital. There are also meetings in other states and in the Federal District.
To participate in the group, all you need is the desire to stop gambling. At the meetings, people who have faced the same illness share experiences and help each other.
The State of São Paulo – SP