Treatment of pathological gamblers: an experimental study.
The efficacy of a behavioral treatment for pathological gamblers, including cognitive interventions, problem solving and relapse prevention is examined. Three pathological gamblers meeting DSM-III-R criteria were studied in an experimental multiple baseline design. By the end of treatment the subjects ceased all gambling behaviors, increased their perception of self-control of gambling, and evaluated their problems as less severe. Therapeutic gains were maintained at 6- and 9-month follow-ups. The importance of problem solving and the modification of erroneous perceptions in treatment programs for pathological gambling is discussed.
Bujold
A
A
Ecole de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Ladouceur
R
R
Sylvain
C
C
Boisvert
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D011337:Probability Learning; D011340:Problem Solving; D012008:Recurrence