Cognitive treatment of pathological gamblers

Behav Res Ther. 1998 Dec;36(12):1111-9. doi: 10.1016/s0005-7967(98)00086-2.

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of a cognitive treatment for pathological gambling. Five pathological gamblers were treated in a multiple baseline across subjects design. Cognitive correction targeted the erroneous perceptions towards the notion of randomness. Four subjects reported a clinically significant decrease in the urge to gamble, an increase in their perception of control, and no longer met the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling. Therapeutic gains were maintained at the 6 month follow-up. Results suggest that cognitive therapy targeting the misconception of the notion of randomness is a promising treatment for pathological gambling, a refractory disorder to most therapeutic interventions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales