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The presence of gambling as an escape mechanism from a dysphoric mood is highly indicative of major depressive disorder in a patient with gambling behavior. This symptom reflects a coping strategy where an individual engages in gambling as a way to alleviate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety, which are characteristic of depressive episodes. This pattern of behavior illustrates the intersection between mood disturbances and compulsive behaviors, emphasizing the psychological relief sought through gambling.

In major depressive disorder, individuals often struggle with persistent negative emotions and may resort to various activities, including gambling, as a maladaptive means of seeking relief or distraction from their emotional pain. Recognizing this symptom as part of the gambling behavior provides critical insight into the individual's mental health status and encapsulates a potentially damaging cycle, where gambling temporarily alleviates distress but may exacerbate overall issues in the long run.

The other symptoms do not align as closely with major depressive disorder. Preoccupation with gambling may indicate the presence of gambling disorder but doesn't specifically address mood dysregulation. Increased social interactions would typically be contrary to the social withdrawal often seen in depression. Escalation of gambling behavior could reflect a gambling disorder rather than a mood disorder without the context of underlying depressive symptoms.