Group therapy for pathological gamblers: a cognitive approach.
This study evaluated the efficacy of a group cognitive treatment for pathological gambling. Gamblers, meeting DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, were randomly assigned to treatment (N=34) or wait-list control (N=24) conditions. Cognitive correction techniques were used first to target gamblers' erroneous perceptions about randomness, and then to address issues of relapse prevention. The dependent measures used were the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, perceived self-efficacy, gamblers' perception of control, desire to gamble, and frequency of gambling. Post-treatment results indicated that 88% of the treated gamblers no longer met the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling compared to only 20% in the control group. Similar changes were observed on all outcome measures. Analysis of data from 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-ups revealed maintenance of therapeutic gains. Recommendations for group interventions are discussed, focusing on the cognitive correction of erroneous perceptions toward the notion of randomness.
Ladouceur
R
R
Ecole de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec, G1K 7P4, Ste-Foy, Canada. robert.ladouceur@psy.ulaval.ca
Sylvain
C
C
Boutin
C
C
Lachance
S
S
Doucet
C
C
Leblond
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome