Cognitive Treatment of Pathological Gambling

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive treatment package for pathological gambling. Sixty-six gamblers, meeting DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, were randomly assigned to treatment or wait-list control conditions. Cognitive correction techniques were used first to target gamblers' erroneous perceptions about randomness and then to address issues of relapse prevention. The dependent measures used were the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the number of DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling met by participants, as well as gamblers' perception of control, frequency of gambling, perceived self-efficacy, and desire to gamble. Posttest results indicated highly significant changes in the treatment group on all outcome measures, and analysis of data from 6- and 12-month follow-ups revealed maintenance of therapeutic gains. Recommendations for clinical interventions are discussed, focusing on the cognitive correction of erroneous perceptions toward the notion of randomness.

Effects of Affective and Anxiety Disorders on Outcome in Problem Gamblers Attending Routine Cognitive–Behavioural Treatment in South Australia

“…In routine delivery of cognitive-behavioural therapy at SGTS, cognitive therapy is used initially to increase awareness of inaccurate perceptions and restructure erroneous gambling beliefs (Ladouceur, et al, 2001). It is based on the principle that problem gamblers hold erroneous perceptions of randomness; erroneous beliefs (e.g.…”

“…'luck helps me win') and inaccurate perceptions (e.g. 'gambling makes things better for me') (Ladouceur, et al, 2001; N. Raylu & Oei, 2004) which are rewarded, learned, and become habitual. Cognitive therapy has been shown to be clinically efficacious in treating a range of mental health conditions (Beck & Dozois, 2011).…”

“…Several CBT programs reported in the gambling intervention literature have been underpinned by two dominant approaches to explaining gambling behaviour (Carlbring, Jonsson, Josephson, & Forsberg, 2010;Dowling, 2006;Namrata Raylu & Oei, 2010). The cognitive approach focuses on teaching the concept of randomness, increasing awareness of inaccurate perceptions and restructuring erroneous gambling beliefs (Ladouceur et al, 2003;Ladouceur et al, 2001;Sylvain, Ladouceur, & Boisvert, 1997).The behavioural approach (exposure-based) uses techniques that target gambling related psychobiological states (e.g. urge to gamble) (Battersby, Oakes, Tolchard, Forbes, & Pols, 2008;Oakes, Battersby, Pols, & Cromarty, 2008;Barry Tolchard, Thomas, & Battersby, 2006).…”

A Focus Group Study of Predictors of Relapse in Electronic Gaming Machine Problem Gambling, Part 2: Factors that ‘Pull’ the Gambler Away from Relapse

“…Self-efficacy and regaining selfconfidence to control gambling were important in maintaining abstinence (Blaszczynski et al 1991;Sylvain et al1997). Treatment based on the theoretical 7 7 understanding of cognition (Ladouceur et al 2001;Sylvain et al1997) and behaviour in gambling, problem-solving training (Sylvain et al 1997) and relapse prevention (Echeburua et al 2000;Sylvain et al 1997) which includes coping skills training, planning activities to take the place of gambling, moving away or banning oneself from gambling establishments (Avery and Davis 2008) are important to reduce problem gambling behaviour. Stimulus control, self-liberation by saying 'no' or using will power, counter-conditioning by keeping busy and helping relationships also achieved control in the face of gambling triggers especially through thinking before acting (Thygesen and Hodgins 2003).…”

“…There is support in the literature that "being older and feeling wiser" (Abbott et al 2004), social support (Avery and Davis 2008;Oei and Gordon 2008;Petry 2003), religious practice (Diaz 2000) and involvement in Gamblers Anonymous (Gamblers Anonymous 2009) all provided the gambler with a reduced risk of gambling. Self-efficacy and self-confidence were important in managing gambling (Blaszczynski et al 1991;Sylvain et al1997) and treatment (Ladouceur et al 2001;Sylvain et al1997) problem-solving training (Sylvain et al 1997), relapse prevention (Echeburua et al 2000;Sylvain et al 1997), stimulus control, self-liberation, using will power and counter-conditioning (Thygesen and However, these factors are diverse and the process of how these may interact is not clear indicating a need to explore these findings further.…”