Trading Addiction in the Italian Clinical Context: A New Challenge? A Case Report

Document Type : Case Report(s)

Authors

Department of Mental Health and Addictions, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy

10.34172/ahj.1684

Abstract

Background: Trading addiction is an emerging behavioral disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in stock market trading despite significant negative consequences. Currently, it lacks formal recognition in diagnostic manuals, such as the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, complicating clinical assessment and treatment. This report aimed to highlight the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations related to trading addiction.
Case Presentation: A 35-year-old man presented with excessive trading behavior resulting in losses exceeding €150,000 (~$160,000 USD). Standardized assessments showed moderate gambling risk (Problem Gambling Severity Index [PGSI] score = 7). The patient underwent a multidisciplinary treatment combining cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychosocial support over six months, achieving a significant reduction in trading frequency and improved psychological functioning.
Discussion: The patient’s clinical journey illustrates the diagnostic challenges in the absence of formal recognition within widely used diagnostic criteria. The patient’s improvement following a tailored cognitive-behavioral approach suggests that interventions adapted from gambling disorder treatment may be effective but require further validation.
Conclusion: This case emphasized the need to recognize trading addiction as a distinct clinical entity. Clinicians should consider screening for compulsive trading behaviors and advocate for the inclusion of this condition in diagnostic systems.

Highlights

Filippo Besana(Google Scholar)(Pubmed)

Keywords

References

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Addiction & Health
Volume 17
Pages 1-4

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