Pathological gambling and platelet MAO activity: a psychobiological study.

OBJECTIVE

The authors studied platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and psychological characteristics of male pathological gamblers.

METHOD

Twenty-seven male pathological gamblers were compared with a group of healthy individuals who were matched by age, sex, and tobacco consumption. Measures included platelet MAO activity and scores on the MMPI and Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale.

RESULTS

Platelet MAO activity and scores on several MMPI scales for the two groups were significantly different, but measures of sensation seeking were not. No correlations of biological significance were found between platelet MAO activity and psychological ratings.

CONCLUSIONS

Low platelet MAO activity may be a biological predisposition for impulsivity in pathological gamblers. Although no psychological pattern is characteristic of pathological gamblers, they differ from healthy individuals in some personality traits. No significant relationship could be established between platelet MAO activity and psychological measures.