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Free BL, Halle Smith E, Ginley MK, Whelan JP, Pfund RA. Does cognitive-behavioral treatment affect putative mechanisms of change among individuals with problem gambling? A systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis. Addict Behav 2024; 158:108110. [PMID: 39089195 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for problem gambling and gambling disorder and whether it produced different outcomes than minimal or no treatment controls on three putative change mechanisms: 1) gambling cognitions, 2) coping, and 3) self-efficacy. METHOD Studies were identified from five bibliographic databases (i.e., Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed). Included studies were randomized controlled trials of CBT that included posttreatment data on putative mechanisms. Between-group Hedges's g effect sizes were calculated to examine outcomes of CBT relative to minimal or no treatment control on gambling cognitions, coping, and self-efficacy at posttreatment. Risk of bias was determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RESULTS Fifteen studies, representing 1,536 participants, were eligible for analysis. Participants in CBT had more favorable gambling cognitions (g = -0.41), coping behaviors (g = 0.27), and self-efficacy (g = 1.12) at posttreatment than minimal or no treatment control. CONCLUSIONS Results of the current study provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of CBT on three putative mechanisms of change among individuals experiencing problem gambling and gambling disorder. Although the results were promising, there was significant heterogeneity in the magnitude of effect sizes for all three outcomes, and outcomes were not consistently assessed with psychometrically established assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bre'Anna L Free
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, United States; Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, United States.
| | - E Halle Smith
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, United States; Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, United States
| | - Meredith K Ginley
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, United States; Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, United States
| | - James P Whelan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, United States; Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, United States
| | - Rory A Pfund
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, United States; Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, United States
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Pfund RA, Valencia AJ, Hudson EA, Ginley MK, Whelan JP. Effectiveness of a Systems-Wide Initiative to Address Motivation and Expectations for Treatment on Initial Session Attendance to Outpatient Gambling Treatment. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10349-9. [PMID: 39126589 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10349-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
This brief report expands the results of a prior efficacy study that examined the effect of a letter addressing prospective clients' motivation and expectations for outpatient gambling disorder treatment on initial session attendance. The results of that efficacy study indicated more clients attended the initial session when receiving the letter (77%) compared to receiving a reminder telephone call (51%). The present study examines the effectiveness of messages addressing prospective clients' motivation and expectations for outpatient gambling treatment across an entire treatment system. Messages were sent via letters, telephone, and in-person communication with all clinic staff. Participants were 54 clients with gambling disorder who were seeking outpatient psychological treatment. Results indicated that the percentage of clients attending the initial session was 85%, and no differences in attendance were found between in-person and telehealth sessions. These findings suggest that messages that address motivation and expectations persist under real-world conditions, and treatment systems can make meaningful changes that increase attendance to initial treatment sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory A Pfund
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Tennessee, TN, 38152, USA.
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, USA.
| | - Adrianna J Valencia
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Tennessee, TN, 38152, USA
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
| | - Esther A Hudson
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Tennessee, TN, 38152, USA
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
| | - Meredith K Ginley
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Tennessee, TN, 38152, USA
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, USA
| | - James P Whelan
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, 400 Fogelman Drive, Tennessee, TN, 38152, USA
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
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Smith EH, McPhail A, Lerma M, Pfund RA, Whelan JP. Expectations of How Acute Cannabis Use Affects Gambling Experiences and Behaviors. CANNABIS (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) 2024; 7:150-162. [PMID: 38975592 PMCID: PMC11225979 DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2024/000231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Emerging research shows that many individuals commonly consume cannabis while gambling. However, individuals' expectations for how cannabis consumption will impact their gambling behavior remain unknown. Participants who gambled weekly (N = 472) were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed assessments of gambling behaviors, cannabis consumption, and expectations about the influence of cannabis on gambling. Almost all participants (94%) screened positive for problem gambling. Over half of participants (55%) reported lifetime cannabis consumption, and almost all those participants (99%) reported gambling under the influence of cannabis (GUIC) in the past month. Most participants agreed with positive expectations of gambling; they expected that they would feel calmer when under the influence of cannabis (61.4%), that gambling would be more enjoyable (61.0%), and that their gambling skills would increase when GUIC (60.6%). At the same time, most participants also agreed with negative expectations of GUIC. They expected cannabis use would make them more careless (56.4%), more anxious (54.8%), and less able to concentrate (53.7%) while gambling. Negative cannabis expectancies were significantly associated with the severity of cannabis consumption. Both positive and negative cannabis expectancies were significantly associated with gambling problems and time spent gambling under the influence of cannabis. These findings indicate that expectations may influence the decision to consume cannabis and gamble simultaneously. This study contributes to the need for addressing cannabis expectations during treatment of gambling problems.
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Mestre-Bach G, Potenza MN. Pharmacological management of gambling disorder: an update of the literature. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:391-407. [PMID: 38357896 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2316833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gambling disorder (GD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and problematic betting behavior. GD generates distress and impairment, and treatment options include psychological and pharmacological interventions. AREAS COVERED This narrative review explores existing pharmacological treatments for GD. The following classes of medications were considered: opioid-receptor antagonists (e.g. naltrexone and nalmefene), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, and citalopram), glutamatergic agents (e.g. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), acamprosate, and memantine), mood stabilizers (e.g. topiramate, carbamazepine, lithium), and other medications (e.g. modafinil, nefazodone, olanzapine, haloperidol, tolcapone, and bupropion). EXPERT OPINION Due to the limitations of the studies reviewed, solid conclusions regarding the optimal choice of pharmacotherapy for individuals with GD are challenging to draw at this time. Despite some medications, such as naltrexone and nalmefene, showing promising results, efficacy has varied across studies. The review highlights current gaps/limitations, including small sample sizes, limited diversity in participant demographics, the need for exploring different gambling subtypes and treatment responses, high placebo response rates, lack of longer-term longitudinal information, limited investigation of neurobiological correlates and co-occurring disorders, and the importance of implementation research. Further research is needed to address these gaps and explore additional medications, as well as interventions like neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Mestre-Bach
- Instituto de Investigación, Transferencia e Innovación, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 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
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Mide M, Mattiasson J, Norlin D, Sehlin H, Rasmusson J, Ljung S, Lindskog A, Petersson J, Saavedra F, Gordh AS. Internet-delivered therapist-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for gambling disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1243826. [PMID: 38146277 PMCID: PMC10749366 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1243826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most promising treatment for gambling disorder (GD) but only 21% of those with problematic gambling seek treatment. CBT over the Internet might be one way to reach a larger population. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Internet-delivered CBT with therapist guidance compared to an active control treatment. Methods Using a single-blinded design, 71 treatment-seeking gamblers (18-75 years) diagnosed with GD were randomized to 8 weeks of Internet-delivered CBT guided by telephone support, or 8 weeks of Internet-delivered motivational enhancement paired with motivational interviewing via telephone (IMI). The primary outcome was gambling symptoms measured at a first face-to-face assessment, baseline (treatment start), every 2 weeks, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up. Gambling expenditures, time spent gambling, depression, anxiety, cognitive distortions, and quality of life were assessed as secondary outcomes. Analysis was performed on the full analysis sample (n = 60), with intention-to-treat sensitivity analyses (n = 69). Results In the CBT group, 80% stayed in treatment until the final week, compared to 67% in IMI. Post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up, no differences were found between CBT and IMI for any outcome measure. An exploratory analysis of the total sample (n = 60) showed a significant effect of time during treatment on gambling symptoms (d, [95% CI] 0.52, [-1.15, 2.02]) and all secondary outcomes except the gambling diary (depression (0.89, [-1.07-2.65]); anxiety (0.69, [-1.20-2.38])); cognitive distortions (0.84, [-0.73-2.29]); quality of life (0.60, [-0.61-1.70])). Post-treatment, there were no clinical gambling symptoms in either group. Some deterioration was seen between post-treatment and 6-month follow-up on gambling symptoms (0.42, [-1.74-2.43]), depression (0.59, [-0.82-1.86]), and anxiety (0.30, [-0.99-1.48]). Additionally, it was observed that the largest reduction in gambling symptoms was between the first assessment and baseline. Conclusion Both treatments offered in this study were effective at reducing gambling symptoms. It is also possible that the process of change started before treatment, which gives promise to low-intensity interventions for GD. Additional research is needed as this approach could be both cost-effective and has the potential to reach more patients in need of treatment than is currently possible. Clinical trial registration https://www.isrctn.com/, identifier ISRCTN38692394.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Mide
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mattiasson
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Norlin
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Sehlin
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Josefine Rasmusson
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sofia Ljung
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amanda Lindskog
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonna Petersson
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fanny Saavedra
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Söderpalm Gordh
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Pfund RA, Forman DP, Whalen SK, Zech JM, Ginley MK, Peter SC, McAfee NW, Whelan JP. Effect of cognitive-behavioral techniques for problem gambling and gambling disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2023; 118:1661-1674. [PMID: 37381589 PMCID: PMC10524575 DOI: 10.1111/add.16221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To measure the effect of cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBTs) on gambling disorder severity and gambling behavior at post-treatment and follow-up. METHOD Seven databases and two clinical trial registries were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies and unpublished studies of randomized controlled trials. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool assessed risk of bias in the included studies. A random effect meta-analysis with robust variance estimation was conducted to measure the effect of CBTs relative to minimally treated or no treatment control groups. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies representing 3991 participants were identified. CBTs significantly reduced gambling disorder severity (g = -1.14, 95% CI = -1.68, -0.60, 95% prediction interval [PI] = -2.97, 0.69), gambling frequency (g = -0.54, 95% CI = -0.80, -0.27, 95% PI = -1.48, 0.40) and gambling intensity (g = -0.32, 95% CI = -0.51, -0.13, 95% PI = -0.76, 0.12) at post-treatment relative to control. CBTs had no significant effect on follow-up outcomes. Analyses supported the presence of publication bias and high heterogeneity in effect size estimates. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive-behavioral techniques are a promising treatment for reducing gambling disorder and gambling behavior; however, the effect of cognitive-behavioral techniques on gambling disorder severity and gambling frequency and intensity at post-treatment is overestimated, and cognitive-behavioral techniques may not be reliably efficacious for all individuals seeking treatment for problem gambling and gambling disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory A Pfund
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, Tennessee, USA
| | - David P Forman
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Shelby K Whalen
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - James M Zech
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meredith K Ginley
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Nicholas W McAfee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - James P Whelan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education & Research, Tennessee, USA
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