A Systematic Review of Stress Physiology in Gambling Disorder and Problem Gambling

Stress may contribute to the onset and symptoms of maladaptive gambling behaviour. However, minimal work investigates stress physiology in gambling populations. This review explores available research examining stress physiology in problem and disordered gambling.

Eighteen studies were included in the review. Acute stress and risky decision-making tasks were most often employed to examine stress physiology. Stress markers typically examined across studies included cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and heart rate measurements.

Results indicate potential alterations in stress physiology among problem and disordered gambling populations, although studies were heterogenous. Patterns observed across studies suggest that in gambling populations: (1) basal stress markers do not differ from healthy individuals; (2) stress physiology is altered during risky decision-making and real-stakes gambling; and, (3) the physiological acute stress response is blunted. More research should seek to validate these findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of stress and its associated risks in problematic gambling.