Psychological treatment of slot-machine pathological gambling: new perspectives

J Gambl Stud. 2005 Spring;21(1):21-6. doi: 10.1007/s10899-004-1918-6.

Abstract

In this paper the most relevant findings of our research team on pathological gambling in the last decade are presented. There is no conclusive empirical evidence of a specific profile of the pathological gamblers. The choice treatment appears to be stimulus control and in vivo exposure with response prevention, followed by a cognitive-behavioral intervention in relapse prevention. Predictive variables for the therapeutic failure were the dissatisfaction with the treatment, the alcohol abuse and the neuroticism as a personality variable. Unanswered questions for future research in this field are commented upon.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Behavior, Addictive / therapy*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / psychology*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gambling / psychology
  • Humans
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Self Concept
  • Treatment Outcome