Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pathological gambling: cultural considerations.
Pathological gambling is a common disorder with severe consequences for patients and their families. This case study describes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pathological gambling and its general principles and provides an example of a modification of CBT techniques in the treatment of a 51-year-old immigrant Afro-Caribbean woman. The case depicts the contribution of beliefs, especially those that are part of a cultural system, to the perpetuation of a patient's disorder; the influence of family members' attitudes, moved by their cultural beliefs and values, in shaping the patient's behavior; and the consideration of these issues in guiding specific interventions, such as challenging irrational thoughts or helping patients devise strategies to change their behavior in a culturally congruent manner.
Okuda
Mayumi
M
New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA. cb255@columbia.edu
Balán
Iván
I
Petry
Nancy M
NM
Oquendo
Maria
M
Blanco
Carlos
C
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003469:Culture; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome