Gambling was included in DSM III since 1980 as a psychiatric disorder. Compared to other forms of (compulsive) behavior for example substance abuse), the gambling problems have hardly solicited public and scientific concern. In particular a new generation of young adults raised in an environment of video and internet games has been neglected by researchers. Our knowledge of this population segment with respect to gambling disorders is wanting.

The present study aims to obtain a clearer description of gambling behavior in this segment of the Swiss population. The present project should allow us to gain a better understanding of problem burden and will help to identify the different forms of games that are used by young adults age 18 to 25 in Switzerland.

In a first step we have been planning an explorational and descriptive pilot study. 120 men age 18 to 25 are recruited from Universities, Technical Colleges, Professional Training Schools, Occupational Centers, and newspaper ads as well as via the Internet.

Participants will be evaluated in terms of the following instruments: socio-demographic questionnaire, structured interviews and tools to identify types and characteristics of gambling behavior and concomitant problems, namely SOGS (South Oaks Gambling Survey), Internet Dependence (YOUNG), the Fagerström scale (tobacco), AUDIT (alcohol), Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS), BDI II (Beck), the Hamilton Scale for anxiety assessment.

The present study serves as the basis for a large scale population based study.