The Norwegian remote intervention programme for problem gambling: Short- and long-term outcomes

Eilin K Erevik; Ståle Pallesen; Mette Mohn; Trond Aspeland; Øystein Vedaa; Torbjørn Torsheim

doi:10.1177/1455072520947247

The Norwegian remote intervention programme for problem gambling: Short- and long-term outcomes

Nordisk Alkohol Nark. 2020 Aug;37(4):365-383. doi: 10.1177/1455072520947247. Epub 2020 Aug 13.

Authors

Eilin K Erevik¹, Ståle Pallesen², Mette Mohn³, Trond Aspeland³, Øystein Vedaa⁴, Torbjørn Torsheim¹

Affiliations

¹ University of Bergen, Norway.
² University of Bergen, Norway; and Optentia, Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University, South-Africa.
³ Innlandet Hospital Trust, Stange, Norway.
⁴ Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim; Voss District Psychiatric Hospital, NKS Bjørkeli, Voss; and St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.

Abstract

Background and aim: Although problem gambling typically involves substantial distress, few seek face-to-face treatment. In Norway, problem gamblers can participate in a governmental supported internet- and telephone-based intervention programme. The current study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of this programme in terms of gambling behaviour, gambling-related cognitions and mental health in a one group pre-test post-test design with a follow-up assessment.

Methods: The sample consisted of the 67 participants who completed the intervention programme within a one-year timeframe. Gambling behaviour (SOGS-R), gambling-related cognitions (GBQ) and mental health (SCL-90-R) were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention and at a 6-12 months follow-up. A total of 25 (37.3%) participants completed the follow-up assessment. T-tests were conducted to investigate development in gambling behaviour, gambling-related cognitions and mental health from pre-intervention to post-intervention and follow-up.

Results: The analyses showed a significant reduction in gambling behaviour, gambling problems, gambling-related cognitive distortions and mental health symptoms from pre-intervention to post-intervention and follow-up. The corresponding effect sizes for the reductions in gambling and gambling-related cognitive distortions were very large, while the effect sizes for the reductions in mental distress were moderate.

Conclusion: The internet/telephone programme appears to have several positive outcomes including reduction in gambling behaviour, gambling problems, gambling-related cognitive distortions and symptoms of mental disorders both in the short and long term. Another positive outcome of participation appears to be a lowered threshold for seeking additional treatment. The current study entails, however, important limitations, and future studies should investigate the outcomes of the programme while including a control group.

Keywords: cognitive behavioural therapy; gambling; mental health; problem gambling; remote therapy; telemental health applications.