Treatment modalities for patients with gambling disorder

Preventing or reducing access to money (and therefore eliminating the means to gamble) is considered good practice. We generated a structured https://gameaviatorofficial.com/ data extraction form that we refined and modified after pilot testing a sample of 10 studies. To calculate pre-post and pre-follow-up within-group effect sizes, numerical data were extracted for each outcome separately.

• In addition, there are still not enough studies on GD treatment; thus, more studies—especially meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials—are needed.
• Of course, it is because of the consequences that most gamblers end up in treatment.
• Interpretation Nalmefene and naltrexone currently have the most supportive evidence for the pharmacological treatment of gambling disorder.
• Windward Mental Health’s comprehensive approach offers hope and practical solutions for those struggling with gambling addiction.
• Finally, in terms of outcome predictors, numerous individual and social risk factors have been identified in the scientific literature, and prevention efforts should be targeted to those most at risk80.

The Effectiveness of Pharmacological Treatments for Gambling Addiction

There are actually several different types of CBT, but what they are is not as important as what they can do. Patients do not continue to go for CBT sessions for years like they would for traditional psychotherapy. Instead, they take place for a certain period of time, usually about 16 sessions. It is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, and not external people, places, and things.

Treatments will get super personal

Recently, many studies on the treatment of GD have adopted internet-based approaches 94–96. Most of these studies translate conventional treatment methods to online-based therapy; however, we believe that future studies can develop more internet-specific therapies. Smartphones are internet-based and have a wide range of functions and high availability 97, 98. Recently, smartphones have been increasingly used to treat addictive disorders such as alcohol and substance abuse 99–101, and we believe that they can also be considered as a tool for treating GD patients. The description of pharmacotherapy mainly focuses on opioid receptor antagonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and mood stabilizers. Psychosocial treatments/strategies mainly include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and Gamblers Anonymous.

This study, however, provided both groups with an effective cognitive behavioural intervention, failed to include a no-treatment group, and used a mean dose of naltrexone lower than previously reported as beneficial 34. Adolescent gambling, despite being an illegal activity for minors to partake in, is relatively common77. Studies have found that individuals under the age of 18 years often report taking part in a wide range of gambling activities, and young age is often reported as a common risk factor for developing GD78,79. No medication has received Food and Drug Administration approval as a treatment for GD to date 16. However, pharmacotherapy can have positive effects on GD patients such as reduction of urge, treatment of comorbidities, and relapse in prevention 15. Medications frequently used to treat GD are opioid receptor antagonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and mood stabilizers.

Mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsants are medications traditionally used to treat bipolar disorder and other mood disorders 6. They help regulate mood swings, control impulsivity, and stabilize emotional states, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals whose gambling behavior is linked to mood instability. The use of SSRIs in treating gambling addiction has been shown to improve overall mood stability, reduce stress, and enhance the individual’s ability to cope with gambling triggers 5. SSRIs are particularly beneficial when combined with cognitive therapies, as they can provide the emotional stability needed to focus on behavioral change. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the role of thinking in how we feel and in what we do.