This critical review examines emerging behavioural addictions, focusing on gambling disorder, Internet addiction (including gaming disorder), cybersex and love addiction. Although not substance-related, they share psychopathological and neurobiological mechanisms with traditional addictions, requiring a multidimensional diagnostic and rehabilitative approach. It highlights the importance of functional diagnosis, holistic assessment and evidence-based psychosocial treatments (CBT, DBT). Comorbidity with personality disorders, particularly dependent person- ality disorder, is discussed, as well as the relevance of a recovery-oriented approach and neuroplasticity. It concludes by emphasising the need for further research and greater integration into diagnostic systems to improve clinical management
BioLaw Journal - Rivista di BioDiritto, No. 3S (2025): Social Medicine for Global Health Equity
Monica calderaro
;
2026-01-01
Abstract
This critical review examines emerging behavioural addictions, focusing on gambling disorder, Internet addiction (including gaming disorder), cybersex and love addiction. Although not substance-related, they share psychopathological and neurobiological mechanisms with traditional addictions, requiring a multidimensional diagnostic and rehabilitative approach. It highlights the importance of functional diagnosis, holistic assessment and evidence-based psychosocial treatments (CBT, DBT). Comorbidity with personality disorders, particularly dependent person- ality disorder, is discussed, as well as the relevance of a recovery-oriented approach and neuroplasticity. It concludes by emphasising the need for further research and greater integration into diagnostic systems to improve clinical managementI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
