Executive function in gambling disorder: A meta-analysis on neuropsychological evidence

Peixoto, Miguel; Dores, Artemisa; Monteiro, Maria; Marques, António; Barbosa, Fernando; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; de Faria Távora Moreira Peixoto, Miguel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/29991

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Authors

Pereira da Silva Marques, António José

Dores, Artemisa

de Faria Távora Moreira Peixoto, Miguel

Abstract(s)

Gambling disorder (GD) is associated with defcits in various cognitive functions. Specifcally for executive function (EF), previous fndings are inconsistent, despite defcits being reported for shifting, inhibition, planning, and working memory domains. Although a worse performance in EF measures related to GD severity is often reported, there is a need to clarify current evidence. This study aims to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis to clarify the association between EF defcits and GD. The current study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols. The meta-analysis used a random efects model and robust variance estimation to analyze the data, using Hedge’s g to report efect sizes. A total of 21 studies were systematically reviewed, of which 17 were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed for shifting, inhibition, planning, and verbal fuency. Due to a lower number of studies, working memory data was systematically reviewed, but no meta-analysis was performed. Significant efect sizes were found for shifting and inhibition, indicative of defcits in participants with GD. No signifcant defcits were found for the other EF domains. Working memory results revealed inconsistent evidence, even when divided into verbal and visuospatial modalities. There is enough evidence of defcits in shifting and inhibition in participants with GD. However, better sample characterization should be considered in future studies to better understand the sources of potential heterogeneity. Consideration of gambling severity as a continuous variable could allow for a more detailed analysis of EF alterations across the various degrees of GD.

Keywords

Gambling disorder Behavioral addiction Executive function Shifting Inhibition Verbal fuency Working memory

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/29991

Citation

Peixoto, M., Dores, A., Monteiro, M., Marques, A., & Barbosa, F. (2025). Executive function in gambling disorder: A meta-analysis on neuropsychological evidence. Journal of Gambling Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10383-1