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Cognitive and behavioral therapies for pathological gambling

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of behavioral and cognitive treatment approaches in the management of pathological gambling disorders. Disappointingly, the literature to date contains only one controlled outcome study in which two differing behavioral techniques were compared. Although research in general has focussed on identifying the nature of cognitive distortions in gambling, findings from these studies have not been systematically translated into treatment programs. It is concluded that methodological limitations including small sample size, absence of control groups, multiple concurrent interventions and poorly defined outcome criteria preclude conclusive statements to be drawn regarding the active ingredient of either behavioral or cognitive strategies. The program offered within the Impulse Disorders Research Centre is outlined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of New South Wales at Liverpool, UK

    Alex Blaszczynski Ph.D. (Director) & Derrick Silove M.D.

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  1. Alex Blaszczynski Ph.D.
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  2. Derrick Silove M.D.
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The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the assistance and contribution of Zachary Steel, Research Assistant, in the preparation of this paper.

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Blaszczynski, A., Silove, D. Cognitive and behavioral therapies for pathological gambling. J Gambling Stud 11, 195–220 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02107115

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