Problem Gambling Researchers Use Rats to Duplicate Human Gambling

Researchers at a Canadian university have found that rats can mirror human gambling behavior, which can help isolate causes of problem gambling and effective treatments for the disorder.

A team of scientists at the University of British Columbia claims it is the first in the world to recreate human gambling behavior using rats. The problem gambling investigators will use their animal subjects to determine the causes and proper treatments for compulsive gambling.

The study delves into physiological causes for problem gambling, including monitoring of dopamine and serotonin levels in the subjects. These chemicals are thought to influence impulse control, and many believe problem gambling may be a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Catherine Winstanley of the University's Department of Psychology says the study will help to differentiate why the vast majority can gamble without compulsion, but a small percentage find it irresistible.

"It (the study) brings us a step closer to the goal of drug- based treatments for people suffering from gambling disorders," said Winstanley in comments to the Vancouver Sun.

Study results show reduction of serotonin caused rats to lose the ability to make better decisions by figuring odds, or likelihood. Reducing dopamine allowed rats to improve ability to optimize rewards. The results are consistent with current research and theories about human gaming patterns.