Which pathological gamblers will complete treatment?
OBJECTIVE
The study examined the characteristics of pathological gamblers who complete treatment, compared with those who terminate treatment prematurely.


METHODS
Two comparison groups comprising treatment completers and drop-outs.


METHODS
In all, 112 pathological gamblers who undertook a cognitive treatment programme for gambling were compared on different variables.


RESULTS
A high score on impulsivity at intake significantly differentiated those participants who dropped out from treatment completers. There were no differences on socio-demographic and gambling-related characteristics, depression, anxiety, problem-solving skills and alcohol use.


CONCLUSIONS
These data implicate impulsivity as a significant factor in treatment drop-outs.
Leblond
Jean
J
Ecole de psychologie, Université Laval, Canada.
Ladouceur
Robert
R
Blaszczynski
Alex
A
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors