What is the minimum number of criteria needed to diagnose gambling disorder?

To diagnose gambling disorder, a minimum of four out of the nine criteria must be met. This is outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which provides the framework for recognizing gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction.

The criteria encompass a range of behaviors and consequences associated with gambling, such as preoccupation with gambling, a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not gambling. A diagnosis based on four criteria indicates a moderate level of impairment or distress resulting from gambling behavior, which helps clinicians assess the severity of the disorder and guides treatment decisions.

Lowering the threshold to two or three criteria would be insufficient to identify the functional impact of gambling on an individual’s life, while a threshold of six or more may categorize the condition as severe. Thus, establishing a clear threshold of four criteria allows for a standardized approach to diagnosis, ensuring individuals receive appropriate evaluation and intervention.