The application prospect of virtual reality technology in pathological gambling

Pathological gambling is accompanied by a strong desire that is difficult to control, manifested as indulging in gambling-related things and ideas, affecting personal life and social functions. [1] In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, the category of "unclassified impulse control disorders" in the fourth edition was changed to the category of "substance-related and addictive disorders". [2] At present, clinical psychologists at home and abroad have applied virtual reality technology to the treatment of addiction and achieved certain results. This article refers to the related literature of pathological gambling and the application of virtual reality technology to addictive behaviors, systematically introduces the possible causes and influencing factors of pathological gambling, and discusses the application of virtual reality technology in pathological gambling. The treatment of sexual gambling provides new ideas, hoping to alleviate the negative impact of pathological gamblers on themselves, the people around them, and society and help the gamblers get back on track. Future research should pay more attention to the intervention role of virtual reality technology in pathological gambling.