Can't stop trading Stock/Options? You may be addicted

Traders with symptoms of gambling addiction “tend to follow a more active and speculative trading style, indicated by a higher frequency of stock trading, day trading and investing in derivatives and leveraged products.”

Here are some signs of addiction:

• Trading becomes the main focus of your daily life.

• You are trading at work, which isn’t your job.

• You are chasing losses.

• You can’t stop trading.

• You have feelings for frustration, aggression, or attempt to suppress other personal problems.

• Losing money makes you depressed.

• You're constantly checking the latest value.

• You hide the degree of participation in trading.

• You rely on social media “experts” for investment advice.

• You borrow money on a home equity line or a personal loan to invest.

• No self-control or ability to stay away from your trading app.

• Your emotional state is directly tied to the outcome of the stock market.
  

One of the strongest psychological factors that influence day trading is the fear of missing out (FOMO). That’s why day traders often suffer from ad-lib actions as they are not capable of anticipating sudden market changes.

Trading is fun when it doesn’t hurt your health and daily life. Addiction-prone traders have a gambler’s mentality. The strategies to avoid harm associated with pathological trading that have similarities with gambling could be the following: Do not spend more than you can afford. Stick to the budget. Do not chase losses.

Automated trading tools help to:

Address the lack of time issue: many traders have day jobs, families, etc., and can't spend all day in front of a screen.
React to the opportunity faster: Algos are way faster than people.
Remove emotions: Algos have no emotions.
Low code allows traders to experiment faster.