Is this a clinical diagnosis?

No. This is a self-reflection tool, not a clinical assessment. Only a licensed professional can diagnose a gambling disorder. If your score comes back high, consider contacting the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline or a licensed professional.

Am I Showing Signs of Problem Gambling Disguised as Day Trading?

Q: Am I showing signs of problem gambling disguised as day trading?

Check off which of 8 behavioral signals apply to you, such as trading with money meant for bills or needing bigger size for the same rush, and this tool returns a low, elevated, or high risk read based on how many apply.

Check What Applies to You

Check every statement that's honestly true for you, based on your trading over the last few months, not just today.

I've traded with money meant for bills, rent, or other financial obligations.
I've downplayed or lied to someone about how much I'm trading or how much I've lost.
I need to trade bigger size than before to get the same rush or satisfaction.
I've tried to cut back or stop trading for a while and couldn't stick to it.
I feel restless, irritable, or anxious on days I'm not able to trade.
I keep trading specifically to try to win back money I've already lost.
I've borrowed money or used credit to fund trading after burning through my risk capital.
Trading has caused serious problems in a relationship, my job, or my finances, and I keep going anyway.

Your Result

Check the statements that apply to you and click Check My Result to see where you stand.

How this is calculated

Each checked statement adds one point. Your score out of 8 sorts into three tiers: low (0 to 1), elevated (2 to 3), and high (4 or more).
These 8 statements reflect behavioral markers commonly used in problem gambling screening, adapted to day trading: trading with money earmarked for other things, hiding activity, needing bigger size for the same feeling, being unable to stop, restlessness when not trading, chasing losses, borrowing to keep trading, and consequences outside of trading that don't stop the behavior.
This is a self-reflection checklist, not a clinical screening tool or diagnosis. Only a licensed professional can assess whether someone meets criteria for a gambling disorder.
Day trading and gambling are not the same thing, and most active traders never develop this pattern. This tool exists for the smaller group where trading has become something closer to compulsive gambling than a disciplined trading practice.

Risk & liability disclaimer: This tool is an educational self-reflection checklist only. It is not psychological advice, a clinical assessment, medical advice, or financial advice, and it does not diagnose gambling disorder or any other condition. Trading involves risk of loss. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, mental health professional, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider. If your relationship with trading feels out of your control, consider contacting the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline (1-800-522-4700, free and confidential, available by call or text) or a licensed professional.

Am I showing signs of problem gambling disguised as day trading?

Check What Applies to You

Your Result

How this is calculated

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