Behavioural Addictions: Emerging Themes and Issues

INTRODUCTION: Several behaviours produce short-term reward that may engender persistent behaviour despite knowledge of adverse consequences, i.e., diminished control over the behaviour. These disorders have historically been conceptualized in several ways, currently being considered as non-substance or “behavioural” addictions. DISCUSSION: Several behavioral addictions have been hypothesized as having similarities to substance addictions. Most behavioural addictions refer to the activities that are a part of normal, everyday life. However, if they continue beyond the point of relevance such that the daily functioning of life is affected, they account to behavioural addictions. These include internet addiction, sex addiction, exercise addiction, food addiction, gadget addiction etc. There appears to be an excessive conceptual heterogeneity within behavioural addictions. High prevalence rate of psychiatric co-morbidities such as depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and substance use has been found in association with behavioural addictions. Proper identification and evaluation of behavioural addictions has substantial implications for the development of improved prevention and treatment strategies. REFERENCES: Grant, J. E., Potenza, M. N., Weinstein, A., & Gorelick, D. A. (2010). Introduction to behavioral addictions. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 36(5), 233–241. https://doi.org/10.3109/00952990.2010.491884. Starcevic, V. (2016). Behavioural addictions: A challenge for psychopathology and psychiatric nosology. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 50(8), 721–725. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867416654009.