Unit 2-07: PTSD and Disordered Gambling

Purpose:
For those who treat disordered gambling, the question of whether a client has co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) warrants further inquiry. Whether the PTSD is the result of combat, childhood sexual abuse, or other causes, the co-occurrence of both disorders informs treatment.

This workshop will explore evidence regarding prevalence of PTSD in disordered gamblers, and the prevalence of disordered gambling among some PTSD populations. Following a discussion of the criteria for PTSD and Gambling Disorder, this workshop will look at two different types of PTSD in relationship to disordered gambling: military traumas and childhood traumas.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, the participant will be able to:

• Identify nine criteria for gambling disorders and seven criteria for PTSD.
• Be able to discuss five specific types of trauma that are prevalent with disordered gamblers.
• Discuss the effect of combat trauma on veterans who had trauma before active military duty.
• Name six key principles of trauma-informed care.

Unit Outline:

• Criteria for gambling disorder
• Types of trauma/ACE’s
• Problem gambling and trauma
• Trauma-informed approach to treatment