A Critical Review of Treatment Approaches for Gambling Disorders

Jonathan      N. Stea; David      C. Hodgins

doi:10.2174/1874473711104020067

Abstract

This review presents the theoretical model, evidence base, and theoretical and methodological issues for seven treatment approaches to gambling disorders: 1) psychoanalytic and psychodynamic treatments; 2) Gamblers Anonymous; 3) behavioural treatments; 4) cognitive and cognitive-behavioural therapies; 5) brief, motivational, and self-directed interventions; 6) pharmacotherapies, and 7) family therapy approaches. Throughout the review, broader clinical and research issues are also discussed, including barriers to treatment-seeking, controlled gambling versus abstinence as a treatment goal, comorbidity, and the evaluation of treatment efficacy and effectiveness.

Keywords: Gambling disorders, pathological gambling, treatment, efficacy, effectiveness, critical review, cognitive-behavioural therapies, pharmacotherapies, family therapy approaches, Mental disorder