CBT for Pathological Gambling

Most treatments for pathological gambling pay little attention to gambler's erroneous perceptions of control over random events. A recent controlled study tested a cognitive-behavioral treatment approach which included: (a) cognitive interventions to correct misconceptions about gambling, (b) problem-solving, (c) social skills training, and (d) relapse prevention. At post-treatment, gamblers in the treatment group scored lower that a waiting-list control group on measures of gambling, desire to gamble, frequency of gambling, and time spent gambling. At post-treatment 86% of the treatment group no longer met criteria for pathological gambling. Gains were maintained at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups.

• Sylvain, C., Lodouceur, R. (1997) Cognitive and behavioral treatment of pathological gambling: A controlled study, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 65, 727-732.

Replies:

perception of control, by Linda Nauth, 9/22/98 Motivationally Enhanced CBT for Pathological Gambling, by Jim Pretzer, 05/03/03

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