1
|
Seel CJ, Jones M, Christensen DR, May R, Hoon AE, Dymond S. Treatment of harmful gambling: a scoping review of United Kingdom-based intervention research. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:392. [PMID: 38783231 PMCID: PMC11112764 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05843-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding and treating the harm caused by gambling is a growing international psychiatric and public health challenge. Treatment of gambling harm may involve psychological and pharmacological intervention, in conjunction with peer support. This scoping review was conducted to identify, for the first time, the characteristics and extent of United Kingdom (UK) based gambling treatment research. We reviewed studies conducted among people seeking treatment for disordered or harmful gambling in the UK, the settings, research designs, and outcome measures used, and to identify any treatment research gaps. METHODS Systematic searches of PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were carried out for gambling treatment research or evaluation studies conducted in the UK. Studies were included if they evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention or treatment designed to improve symptoms of harmful or problematic gambling, reported outcomes of interventions on treatment adherence, gambling symptoms, or behaviours using standardised measures, were conducted in the UK, and were published since 2000. RESULTS Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Four were retrospective chart reviews, two were single-participant case reports, one described a retrospective case series, and one employed a cross-sectional design. None used an experimental design. CONCLUSION The limited number of studies included in this review highlights a relative paucity of gambling treatment research conducted in UK settings. Further work should seek to identify potential barriers and obstacles to conducting gambling treatment research in the UK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Seel
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Matthew Jones
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | | | - Richard May
- School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF371DL, UK
| | - Alice E Hoon
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Simon Dymond
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavík University, Menntavegur 1, Nauthólsvík, 101 Reykjavík, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brazeau BW, Cunningham JA, Hodgins DC. Evaluating the impact of motivational interviewing on engagement and outcomes in a web-based self-help intervention for gambling disorder: A randomised controlled trial. Internet Interv 2024; 35:100707. [PMID: 38259422 PMCID: PMC10801306 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Self-paced internet interventions for gambling problems offer cost-effective, accessible, and private alternatives to traditional psychotherapy for a population that rarely seeks help. However, these interventions have been relatively slow to develop, evaluate, and deploy at scale relative to those for other addictive behaviors. Moreover, user engagement remains low despite the high interest. Motivational interviews have improved the effectiveness gambling bibliotherapy but have not been augmented with an analogous web-based self-guided program. Objectives This trial aimed to replicate and extend prior work by translating a paperback workbook to the internet and pairing it with a single motivational interview. It was hypothesized that the motivational interview would enhance program engagement and gambling outcomes. Methods A two-arm randomised controlled trial was conducted. Treatment-seeking Canadian adults recruited solely via social media received one year of access to a web-based self-guided program, either alone (N = 158) or in combination with a virtual motivational interview completed upon enrolment (N = 155). The program was based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Gambling severity, expenditures, frequency, and duration were assessed via online questionnaires at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-baseline, along with secondary outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, nonspecific psychological distress, alcohol consumption). Results Baseline characteristics were indicative of severe gambling problems and concurrent mental health problems but not problematic alcohol consumption in this sample. Both treatment groups demonstrated roughly equal improvements across all gambling outcomes and most secondary outcomes over time, except alcohol consumption, which did not meaningfully change. Changes were most prominent by 3 months, followed by more gradual change by 6 and 12 months. Only 57 % of gamblers who were assigned to receive a motivational interview completed that interview. About 40 % of users did not complete any program modules and 11 % completed all four. No group differences in program engagement were observed, although the number of modules completed was associated with greater reductions in gambling behaviors in both groups. Discussion The problem of user engagement with web-based self-help programs remains. There is a dose-response relationship between engagement and outcomes when engagement is measured in terms of therapeutic content completed. Conclusions The addition of a motivational interview to a web-based self-help program for gambling problems was unsuccessful in improving engagement or outcomes. Future work should aim to make self-guided programs more engaging rather than solely making users more engaged. Trial registration Registered on 7 July 2020 (ISRCTN13009468).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brad W. Brazeau
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - John A. Cunningham
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David C. Hodgins
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boumparis N, Baumgartner C, Malischnig D, Wenger A, Achab S, Khazaal Y, Keough MT, Hodgins DC, Bilevicius E, Single A, Haug S, Schaub MP. Effectiveness of a web-based self-help tool to reduce problem gambling: A randomized controlled trial. J Behav Addict 2023; 12:744-757. [PMID: 37659086 PMCID: PMC10562826 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Problem gambling constitutes a public health concern associated with psychopathological comorbidity, substance use, and financial difficulties. Most individuals with gambling problems avoid counseling services due to perceived stigma and their preference for self-reliance. Treatment accessibility could be improved through web-based interventions. Methods We recruited 360 individuals with gambling problems and randomized them to a web-based intervention (n = 185) or an active control group consisting of a self-help manual for problem gambling (n = 175). The primary outcome was the number of days of gambling in the last 30 days. Secondary outcomes included money spent in the last 30 days, time gambling in the last 7 days, gambling-related problems, consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, and psychopathological comorbidity measured at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. Results The primary outcome decreased significantly for both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. There were significant group × time interactions according to the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale (F = 8.83, p <0 .001), the Problem Gambling Severity Index (F = 3.54, p = 0.030), for cigarettes smoked in the last 7 days (F = 26.68, p < 0.001), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (F = 19.41, p <0 .001), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (F = 41.09, p <0 .001) favoring the intervention group. We experienced an overall high dropout rate (76%). Conclusions Win Back Control seems to be an effective low-threshold treatment option for individuals with gambling problems that might otherwise be unapproachable for outpatient treatment services. Nevertheless, the high dropout rate should be considered when interpreting the study results, as they may have introduced a degree of variability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Boumparis
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Baumgartner
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Doris Malischnig
- Institute for Addiction Prevention, Addiction and Drug Coordination Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Wenger
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical and Sociological Research Unit, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Treatment Centre ReConnecte, Addiction Division, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Montreal University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | - Elena Bilevicius
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Alanna Single
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Severin Haug
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wall H, Magnusson K, Hellner C, Andersson G, Jayaram-Lindström N, Rosendahl I. The evaluation of a brief ICBT program with therapist support for individuals with gambling problems in the context of a gambling helpline: a randomized pilot trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:26. [PMID: 36805024 PMCID: PMC9936663 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gambling helplines are a natural way of first contact for individuals with gambling problems. However, few studies have evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of brief interventions in a gambling helpline. To reduce this knowledge gap, this study evaluated the feasibility of an online cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program in the context of a gambling helpline as a first step towards a full-scale RCT. DESIGN This is a two-group parallel randomized controlled pilot trial where the participants were randomized to either a brief four-module ICBT program (n = 22) or a control group (n = 21). Participants were followed up weekly during the intervention, post intervention, and 6 weeks upon completion of intervention. PARTICIPANTS A total of 43 self-identified individuals with gambling problems (scoring 3 or more on the Problem Gambling Severity Index) were recruited via the Swedish national gambling helpline, 59% females, mean age 43.7 years. MEASUREMENTS Feasibility of the procedure and intervention (i.e., recruitment pace, attrition, program engagement, and satisfaction) were the primary outcomes; treatment effect (net gambling losses) was the secondary outcome. RESULTS Approximately 2 participants per week were randomized, and retention was low, with 47% lost to follow-up at the 6-week follow-up time-point. Most participants engaged in the online modules (86%) and rated their overall satisfaction with the program as high (7.5 out of 10). Both groups decreased their weekly gambling losses at both follow-up time-points, but the between-group comparisons were inconclusive. CONCLUSION It is not advisable to conduct a full-scale RCT based on the results from this pilot study. Future studies in a gambling helpline should consider interventions that are more suited to be incorporated in a gambling helpline and identify ways to increase participant engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04609007 , 29/10/2020).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Håkan Wall
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden. .,Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 11364, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kristoffer Magnusson
- grid.465198.7Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.425979.40000 0001 2326 2191Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 11364 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Clara Hellner
- grid.465198.7Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.425979.40000 0001 2326 2191Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 11364 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- grid.465198.7Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.425979.40000 0001 2326 2191Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 11364 Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nitya Jayaram-Lindström
- grid.465198.7Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.425979.40000 0001 2326 2191Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 11364 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingvar Rosendahl
- grid.465198.7Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.425979.40000 0001 2326 2191Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 11364 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Gambling disorder (GD) is estimated to be experienced by about 0.5% of the adult population in the United States. The etiology of GD is complex and includes genetic and environmental factors. Specific populations appear particularly vulnerable to GD. GD often goes unrecognized and untreated. GD often co-occurs with other conditions, particularly psychiatric disorders. Behavioral interventions are supported in the treatment of GD. No medications have a formal indication for the GD, although clinical trials suggest some may be helpful. Noninvasive neuromodulation is being explored as a possible treatment. Improved identification, prevention, and treatment of GD are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina A Stefanovics
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Center (MIRECC), West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Division on Addictions Research at Yale, Yale Impulsivity Research Program, Yale Center of Excellence in Gambling Research, Women and Addictions Core of Women's Health Research at Yale, Neuroscience and Child Study, Yale University School of Medicine, 1 Church Street, Room 726, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Boumparis N, Haug S, Abend S, Billieux J, Riper H, Schaub MP. Internet-based interventions for behavioral addictions: A systematic review. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:620-642. [PMID: 36495471 PMCID: PMC9872535 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Behavioral addictions are a public health problem that causes harm to both individuals and society. Internet-based interventions offer potential benefits over face-to-face therapy for the treatment of behavioral addictions, including their accessibility, perceived anonymity, and low costs. We systematically reviewed the characteristics and effectiveness of these interventions. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in: PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A standardized methodological quality assessment was performed on all identified studies via the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies were assessed in this systematic review. Between them, considerable heterogeneity was noted in various study characteristics, including screening tools, inclusion criteria, and outcome measures. Attrition rates also ranged widely (9-89%), as did study quality, with three of the 29 studies rated strong, 12 moderate, and 14 weak methodologically. Twenty-two studies focused on gambling disorder, most revealing significant within-group effects for the assessed intervention on gambling-related symptoms and four of these studies identified significant between-group effects. Behavioral addictions studied in the remaining studies included gaming disorder, internet use disorder, hoarding disorder, and pornography use disorder, revealing generally-promising, albeit limited results. CONCLUSIONS Internet-based interventions seem promising at reducing gambling problems, but too few studies have been published, to date, for conclusions to be drawn for other behavioral addictions. Internet-based interventions targeting other behavioral addictions - like gaming disorder, internet use disorder, hoarding disorder, and pornography use disorder - remain under-examined, warranting considerable additional research to assess their effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Boumparis
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Switzerland,Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Severin Haug
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Abend
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Centre for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Heleen Riper
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michael P. Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Palomäki J, Heiskanen M, Castrén S. Online 8-week cognitive therapy for problem gamblers: The moderating effects of depression symptoms and perceived financial control. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:75-87. [PMID: 35133289 PMCID: PMC9109628 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Online interventions for problem gambling are increasingly popular, but not everyone benefits from them. We describe 12 years of real-world data from an online intervention for gambling problems and aim to find out the extent to which depression, alcohol use, and sense of financial control influence the effectiveness of the program. METHODS We analyzed treatment effectiveness and moderators in the Finnish "Peli Poikki" program (2007-2018)-an 8-week cognitive behavioral therapy and follow-up program for problem gambling. Participants were Finnish-speaking adults over 18 years of age (N = 2011, 66.9% males). We measured the self-reported level of problem gambling, depression, alcohol use, and sense of financial control across four treatment phases (baseline, post-treatment, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up), as well as the presence of gambling debt, psychological and physiological health, years suffered from gambling problems, and demographic variables. RESULTS Participation grew across years with retention rates of 55%, 30%, and 19% for post-treatment and the two follow-ups, respectively. The average problem gambling scores declined significantly following treatment and remained low throughout the follow-ups. However, this decline (the beneficial treatment effect) was reversed after the follow-ups for those with high depression scores and those who felt they had no control over their finances. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The Peli Poikki program is a well-functioning online intervention but less effective in the long term for participants with persisting symptoms of depression or without a sense of financial control. More attention is needed to screen and direct people with comorbidities to the appropriate services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Palomäki
- Gambling Clinic (Peliklinikka), Helsinki University Hospital, Siltasaarenkatu 12 A, 00530Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Heiskanen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Health and Well-Being Promotion Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari Castrén
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Health and Well-Being Promotion Unit, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Social Sciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Brazeau BW, Hodgins DC, Cunningham JA, Bennett K, Bennett A. Augmenting an online self-directed intervention for gambling disorder with a single motivational interview: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:947. [PMID: 34930407 PMCID: PMC8690518 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05912-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the success of gold standard cognitive-behavioral therapy for problem and disordered gambling, the majority of individuals with gambling problems do not seek or receive professional treatment. Thus, the development of less intrusive self-directed interventions has been encouraged. Bibliotherapy for problem gambling has shown promise, both alone and in combination with motivational interviews, but there is still a lack of online self-directed intervention research. The current randomized controlled trial proposes to assess the additive benefit of a single digital motivational interview delivered in conjunction with an online self-directed treatment program for problem gambling and gambling disorder. METHODS A two-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted, wherein eligible participants (N=270) will be recruited across Canada via internet advertisements posted to several platforms. All participants will receive access to an online self-directed gambling intervention program. Participants will be randomly assigned to either complete the online program alone or receive a digital motivational interview, conducted through an online audioconferencing platform (i.e., Microsoft Teams) to supplement the online program. The primary outcomes of gambling severity, frequency, and expenditures will be tracked along with secondary outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, general distress, alcohol use, and online program user data) over a 24-month period. It is expected that participants in both groups will experience a reduction in symptoms across the board, but more substantial improvements will be observed in the group that receives a supplemental motivational interview. DISCUSSION The results of this trial will expand upon prior gambling intervention research by informing best practices for the provision of online self-help for problem gambling. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN13009468 . Registered on 7 July 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brad W. Brazeau
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - David C. Hodgins
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - John A. Cunningham
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kylie Bennett
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- eHub Health Pty Ltd, Goulburn, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cunningham JA, Godinho A, Hendershot CS, Kay-Lambkin F, Neighbors C, Griffiths KM, Schell C. Randomized controlled trial of online interventions for co-occurring depression and hazardous alcohol consumption: Primary outcome results. Internet Interv 2021; 26:100477. [PMID: 34786350 PMCID: PMC8579144 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The current trial tested the benefits of offering a brief online intervention for hazardous alcohol consumption along with one for depression among people experiencing both conditions. METHODS Online advertisements were used to recruit people with persistent low mood. Those who also had current hazardous alcohol consumption were identified and invited to take part in the trial (those not eligible were offered access to the online depression intervention). Participants were randomized to an established intervention for depression (MoodGYM; M-only) or to receive MoodGYM plus a brief personalized feedback intervention for hazardous drinking (Check Your Drinking; M + CYD). Participants were followed-up at three and six months. RESULTS While levels of depression symptoms (p < .001) and hazardous alcohol consumption (p < .001) reduced in both the M-only and the M + CYD groups, there was no difference between groups on drinking (p = .374) or depression outcomes (p = .752). Further, participants who were provided both interventions logged into the intervention website less often (M = 4.1, SD = 3.9) compared to participants only offered the depression intervention (M = 4.9, SD = 5.2), t (986) = 2.47, p = .014. However, there was no significant difference (p > .05) in the number of MoodGYM modules completed between the two groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The current trial found no benefit to providing a brief online intervention for hazardous alcohol consumption alongside one for depression among people experiencing these co-occurring disorders. Further, the finding that adding an online intervention for drinking to one for depression led to a small reduction in the number of times the interventions were accessed implies the need for caution when deciding how best to provide online help to those with co-occurring depression and hazardous alcohol consumption.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.govNCT03421080.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A. Cunningham
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Corresponding author at: National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Christian S. Hendershot
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen M. Griffiths
- Research School of Public Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Christina Schell
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Diaz-Sanahuja L, Campos D, Mira A, Castilla D, García-Palacios A, Bretón-López JM. Efficacy of an internet-based psychological intervention for problem gambling and gambling disorder: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2021; 26:100466. [PMID: 34646753 PMCID: PMC8501496 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Gambling Disorder is a prevalent non-substance use disorder, which contrasts with the low number of people requesting treatment. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) could help to enhance the dissemination of evidence-based treatments and considerably reduce the costs. The current study seeks to assess the efficacy of an online psychological intervention for people suffering from gambling problems in Spain. The proposed study will be a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 134 participants (problem and pathological gamblers) will be randomly allocated to a waiting list control group (N = 67) or an intervention group (N = 67). The intervention program includes 8 modules, and it is based on motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and extensions and innovations of CBT. It includes several complementary tools that are present throughout the entire intervention. Therapeutic support will be provided once a week through a phone call with a maximum length of 10 min. The primary outcome measure will be gambling severity and gambling-related cognitions, and secondary outcome measures will be readiness to change, and gambling self-efficacy. Other variables that will be considered are depression and anxiety symptoms, positive and negative affect, difficulties in emotion regulation strategies, impulsivity, and quality of life. Individuals will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. During the treatment, participants will also respond to a daily Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) in order to evaluate urges to gamble, self-efficacy to cope with gambling urges, gambling urge frequency, and whether gambling behaviour occurs. The EMI includes immediate automatic feedback depending on the participant's responses. Treatment acceptance and satisfaction will also be assessed. The data will be analysed both per protocol and by Intention-to-treat. As far as we know, this is the first randomized controlled trial of an online psychological intervention for gambling disorder in Spain. It will expand our knowledge about treatments delivered via the Internet and contribute to improving treatment dissemination, reaching people suffering from this problem who otherwise would not receive help. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04074681. Registered 22 July 2019.
Collapse
Key Words
- A, Action
- C, Contemplation
- CBT
- CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- CIDI, Composite International Diagnostic Interview
- CONSORT-EHEALTH, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials of Electronic and Mobile Health Applications and Online Telehealth
- DERS, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale
- DGOJ, Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling
- DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
- DSM-III-R, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd Edition Revised
- DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition
- EDBs, Emotion Driven Behaviours
- EMA, Ecological Momentary Assessment
- EMI, Ecological Momentary Intervention
- Efficacy
- Emotion regulation
- G-SAS, The Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale
- GD, Gambling Disorder
- GE, Gambling Expectancies
- GI, Gambling history interview and current gambling situation and related variables assessment
- GRCS-S, Gambling-Related Cognitions Scale
- GSEQ, Gambling Self-Efficacy Questionnaire
- Gambling
- HADS, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale
- IB, Interpretative Bias
- IC, Illusion of Control
- ICD-10, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision
- ISG, Perceived Inability to Stop Gambling
- Internet
- M, Maintenance
- MFS, Monitoring, Feedback and Support
- MI, Motivational Interviewing
- MINI, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview
- NA, Negative Affect
- NODS, NORC DSM-IV Screen for Gambling Problems
- OASIS, The Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale
- ODSIS, The Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale
- P, Precontemplation
- PA, Positive Affect
- PANAS, The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
- PC, Predictive Control
- PFIs, Personal Feedback Interventions
- QLI, Quality Life Index
- RCT, Randomized Controlled Trial
- SCID-P, The Structured Clinical Interview
- SPIRIT, Standard Protocol Items Recommendations for Interventional Trials
- SUS, System Usability Scale
- UPPS-P, The Short UPPS-P Impulsivity Scale
- URICA, The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale
- WL, Waiting List
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Diaz-Sanahuja
- Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
- Corresponding author at: Department of Basic Psychology, Clinical and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón, (Spain).
| | - Daniel Campos
- Universidad de Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IISAragon), Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Diana Castilla
- Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Azucena García-Palacios
- Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana María Bretón-López
- Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dowling NA, Merkouris SS, Rodda SN, Smith D, Aarsman S, Lavis T, Lubman DI, Austin DW, Cunningham JA, Battersby MW, O SC. GamblingLess: A Randomised Trial Comparing Guided and Unguided Internet-Based Gambling Interventions. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2224. [PMID: 34063826 PMCID: PMC8196610 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is little evidence relating to the effects of adding guidance to internet-based gambling interventions. The primary aim was to compare the effectiveness of an online self-directed cognitive-behavioural gambling program (GamblingLess) with and without therapist-delivered guidance. It was hypothesised that, compared to the unguided intervention, the guided intervention would result in superior improvements in gambling symptom severity, urges, frequency, expenditure, psychological distress, quality of life and help-seeking. A two-arm, parallel-group, randomised trial with pragmatic features and three post-baseline evaluations (8 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 months) was conducted with 206 gamblers (106 unguided; 101 guided). Participants in both conditions reported significant improvements in gambling symptom severity, urges, frequency, expenditure, and psychological distress across the evaluation period, even after using intention-to-treat analyses and controlling for other low- and high-intensity help-seeking, as well as clinically significant changes in gambling symptom severity (69% recovered/improved). The guided intervention resulted in additional improvements to urges and frequency, within-group change in quality of life, and somewhat higher rates of clinically significant change (77% cf. 61%). These findings, which support the delivery of this intervention, suggest that guidance may offer some advantages but further research is required to establish when and for whom human support adds value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicki A. Dowling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (S.S.M.); (S.A.); (D.W.A.)
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Stephanie S. Merkouris
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (S.S.M.); (S.A.); (D.W.A.)
| | - Simone N. Rodda
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (S.S.M.); (S.A.); (D.W.A.)
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, 110 Church St, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
| | - David Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (D.S.); (M.W.B.)
| | - Stephanie Aarsman
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (S.S.M.); (S.A.); (D.W.A.)
| | - Tiffany Lavis
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
| | - Dan I. Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia;
| | - David W. Austin
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (S.S.M.); (S.A.); (D.W.A.)
| | - John A. Cunningham
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Malcolm W. Battersby
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (D.S.); (M.W.B.)
| | - Seung Chul O
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bilevicius E, Single A, Baumgartner C, Bui V, Kempe T, Schaub MP, Stewart SH, MacKillop J, Hodgins DC, Wardell JD, O'Connor R, Read J, Hadjistavropoulos H, Sundstrom C, Keough MT. Developing and testing the effectiveness of a novel online integrated treatment for problem gambling and tobacco smoking: a protocol for an open-label randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:937. [PMID: 33213506 PMCID: PMC7678080 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04867-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling and tobacco smoking are highly comorbid among North American adults. However, there is a paucity of treatment options that are integrated (i.e. targeting both gambling and tobacco smoking simultaneously), accessible, and evidence based. METHODS The aim of this two-arm open-label randomized controlled trial is to examine the effectiveness of an online, self-guided integrated treatment for problem gambling and tobacco smoking. A target sample of 214 participants will be recruited and be randomized into either an 8-week integrated or gambling only control condition. Both conditions will consist of seven online modules following cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing principles. Our three primary outcomes are (1) the number of days gambled, (2) money spent on gambling activities, and (3) time spent in gambling activities. Secondary outcomes include gambling disorder symptoms, cigarette use, and nicotine dependence symptoms. Assessments will be completed at baseline, at completion (i.e. 8 weeks from baseline), and at follow-up (i.e. 24 weeks from baseline). Generalized linear mixed modelling will be used to evaluate our primary and secondary outcomes. We expect that participants receiving online integrated treatment will show larger reductions in gambling relative to those receiving a control gambling only intervention. We further hypothesize that reductions in smoking will mediate these group differences. DISCUSSION The rates of problem gambling and tobacco smoking are high in North America; yet, the treatment options for both are limited, with no integrated treatments available. If supported, our pilot study will be a cost-effective and accessible way to improve treatments for co-occurring problem gambling and tobacco use. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03614884 . Registered on August 3, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bilevicius
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Alanna Single
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Chris Baumgartner
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Konradstrasse 32, CH-8031, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Van Bui
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Tyler Kempe
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Michael P Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Konradstrasse 32, CH-8031, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Abbie J Lane Building, 8th floor, 5909 Veteran's Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, B3H 3A7, Canada
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research McMaster University/St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - David C Hodgins
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University D NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jeffrey D Wardell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke W., Montreal, Canada
| | - Jennifer Read
- Department of Psychology, University of Buffalo, 231 Park Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14260-4110, USA
| | | | - Christopher Sundstrom
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Matthew T Keough
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St, North York, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cunningham JA, Hodgins DC, Keough M, Hendershot CS, Schell C, Godinho A. Online interventions for problem gamblers with and without co-occurring unhealthy alcohol use: Randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2020; 19:100307. [PMID: 32042600 PMCID: PMC7000801 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2020.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Problem gambling and unhealthy alcohol use often co-occur. The current trial sought to establish whether adding a brief online intervention for unhealthy alcohol use to an online problem gambling intervention would lead to improvements in gambling and drinking among those with both of these concerns. METHODS Participants were recruited from across Canada using an advertisement targeting those concerned about their gambling who were interested in online help. No mention of unhealthy alcohol use was made in the advertisement. Participants meeting criteria for problem gambling were randomized to either receive just an online intervention for gambling (G-only) or to receive an online gambling intervention plus a brief personalized feedback intervention for unhealthy alcohol use (G + A). Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS A total of 282 participants were recruited for the trial. Follow-up rates were good (80% and 84% at 3 and 6 months). There were significant reductions in gambling (p < .001) across time but no significant differences (p > .05) between those who received either the G-only or G + A interventions. Further, for those with unhealthy alcohol use (41% of the sample), there were no significant reductions in alcohol consumption (p > .05) across time or differences between condition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The addition of a brief intervention for unhealthy alcohol use to an online intervention for gambling did not appear to improve either gambling or drinking outcomes among people concerned about their gambling. Further research is merited to examine whether a combined intervention (with gambling and drinking components integrated) might result in improved outcomes and whether such an intervention might benefit the subgroup of participants who would specifically seek help for both gambling and alcohol concerns.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.govNCT03323606; Registration date: October 24, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A. Cunningham
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | | | - Christian S. Hendershot
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|