Follow-up of pathological gamblers after treatment.
Pathological gamblers entering a comprehensive treatment program were thoroughly assessed before treatment and 6 months after completion of treatment. The reports of gamblers and collateral informants were highly consistent. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 57 of the 66 patients entering treatment. Total abstinence was reported by 56% (N = 32) of the patients located for follow-up, and significant improvement on a wide range of measures was documented. The authors feel that the results demonstrate that pathological gambling is a treatable mental disorder.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012657:Self-Help Groups