Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral Addictions is the first and most authoritative text ever written on the subject of behavioral addictions. This comprehensive work explains the criteria used to determine addiction, the evidence for identifying assorted behaviors as addictions, and the evidence-based treatment for each. DSM-V broke new ground in May of 2013, designating a new disorder called "behavioral addiction." Clinicians immediately wanted to know: how is a behavioral addiction different from an impulse control disorder? What are the criteria for determining that some behaviors are addictions rather than impulses? What, if anything, does this mean in terms of effective treatment? With contributions from preeminent experts covering an exhaustive list of behavioral addictions, this book is unique in its coverage of behavioral addictions, their criteria, and treatment. It is a valuable and timely resource for any clinician treating addictions. * Defines criteria of an "addiction" designation* Differentiates addictions from impulse control* Discusses the evidence for behaviors meeting this criteria* Identifies what is now, likely will be, and is not a behavioral addiction per evidence* Presents evidence-based treatment for each behavioral addiction REVIEWS "Just in time for DSM-5 s inclusion of Gambling Disorder as the first non-substance related addiction amongst the Substance Use Disorders, Drs. Rosenberg and Felder have compiled "Behavioral Addictions: Criteria, Evidence, and Treatment, " a well-written and evidence-based work which will be useful to clinicians and researchers alike. The chapters on addictions as varied as gambling, shopping, sex, and food, are written by luminaries in the field, all of whom carefully define the relatively sparse data, surmise what they can, and offer recommendations for the clinic. The book benefits from a common thread of serious inquiry; into the very definition of behavioral addiction, to the peer-led support groups, to the various psychological and pharmacological treatments for these confounding conditions. Rather than offer easy answers to the questions which the behavioral conditions provoke, the various chapters present the available research and clinical lore, and point the reader in the right - or at least sensible - direction, in trying to understand and treat the behavioral addictions." -Laurence M. Westreich, M.D., Clincal Associate Professor, New York University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse ""The Handbook of Behavioral Addictions" is a timely landmark achievement and a must read for anyone interested in addictive and compulsive behavior and its treatment. Rosenberg and Feder have brought us leading addiction experts, who clearly present the growing evidence for including behavioral addictions in the DSM-5 and how best to treat them. While gambling is the first to be included in the DSM-5 chapter on substance related disorders, other behavioral addictions are likely to follow as evidence grows. This is the most important new textbook in addiction psychiatry in recent years." -Richard Frances MD, Founder of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry"