Serotonergic and Noradrenergic Function in Pathological Gambling

Research on pathological gambling has begun to demonstrate the significant pathophysiologic role of several neurotransmitter systems in this disorder. Challenge studies with various pharmacologic agents have suggested the importance of potential dysregulation of the serotonergic system in pathological gambling, as this system is linked to dysfunction in behavioral initiation and inhibition. In addition, the noradrenergic system has been associated with mediation of arousal, increases of which are manifested by pathological gamblers. The interactions between these and other neurotransmitter systems, as well as the similarities between pathological gambling and other behavioral disorders, may provide important clues for pharmacologic intervention.