Do attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms influence treatment outcome in gambling disorder?

Abstract

Background and aims: Numerous studies point to the comorbidity between gambling disorder (GD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there is a lack of research exploring how ADHD symptoms might influence psychological treatment outcomes for GD. Therefore, we aimed to explore differences between patients with GD with and without self-reported ADHD symptoms regarding psychopathology, personality, sociodemographic and treatment outcome measures.

Method: This longitudinal study included 170 patients with GD receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. Multiple self-reported instruments were used to assess clinical variables and sociodemographic measures prior to treatment.

Results: A clinical profile characterized by greater GD severity, higher psychopathology and impulsivity, and less adaptive personality features was observed in patients with self-reported ADHD symptoms compared to those without. No significant differences in treatment response (measured by dropout and relapse rates) were observed between the two groups. However, patients with self-reported ADHD symptoms experienced more severe relapses (i.e., gambled more money) and GD patients who relapsed scored higher on measures of ADHD, particularly inattention.

Conclusion: Individuals with GD and self-reported symptoms of ADHD may experience more severe relapses following treatment, suggesting a need for more vigilant follow-up and interventions for patients with this comorbidity.

Keywords: ADHD; Addictive behaviors; Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Gambling disorder; Impulsivity; Relapse.