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Abstract
In November 2004, a group of researchers in Alberta, headed by Dr. el-Guebaly of the University of Calgary, put together a proposal for a complex longitudinal study of the development of gambling problems. The study, entitled “Factors Influencing the Development of Responsible Gambling: A Prospective Study”, or “the Cohort Study”, will be one of the first longitudinal studies designed to identify the risk factors that determine whether a person will gamble responsibly or develop a gambling problem.
Dr. el-Guebaly’s study sample will consist of five age-based cohorts: (1) 13-15 years old; (2) 18-20 years old; (3) 23-25 years old; (4) 43-45 years old; and (5) 63-65 years old. Each sample will be obtained through a telephone survey using Random Digit Dialing (RDD), and willing participants will be interviewed face-to-face. Two groups will be selected for each age cohort, including: (1) a general population sample; and (2) a group of high risk individuals. “High risk” for the purpose of this study is defined as gambling behaviour at or above the 70th percentile.
The present study will complement Dr. el-Guebably’s study by providing genetics testing for all participants included in the dataset. A total of 2,000 blood samples will be processed in the Neurogenetics lab at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). For the past few years, this lab has been involved in research exploring candidate genes for impulse control disorders (e.g., ADHD), and has currently been conducting research into genes associated with problem gambling.
This research project will investigate the presence of genetic factors that might increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing problem gambling. The identification of genetic factors will help to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying problem gambling, as well as assist in the development of more specific treatments.