Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for problem gambling in routine care: protocol for a non-randomized pilot and feasibility trial

Olof Molander, Philip Lindner, Jonas Ramnerö, Johan Bjureberg, Per Carlbring, Anne H Berman, Olof Molander, Philip Lindner, Jonas Ramnerö, Johan Bjureberg, Per Carlbring, Anne H Berman

Abstract

Background: Problem gambling and gambling disorder are major public health concerns worldwide, and awareness of associated negative consequences is rising. In parallel, treatment demand has increased, and Internet interventions offer a promising alternative for providing evidence-based treatment at scale to a low cost.

Method: We developed a novel Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral treatment for gambling, based on qualitative interviews with treatment-seeking gamblers, behavioral research on gambling behavior, and the pathway model for problem gambling. This research protocol describes a non-randomized pilot and feasibility trial conducted in routine addiction care with adult treatment-seeking patients (max N = 25) with problem gambling. The primary aim is to ensure acceptability and safety, measured by satisfaction, credibility, working alliance, and possible negative effects. Secondary aims are feasibility of study procedures in terms of recruitment and measurement procedures as well as potential effectiveness measured weekly by gambling symptoms as primary outcome and gambling behavior, quality of life, symptoms of depression and anxiety, alcohol, and drug use as secondary outcomes. Potential mediators measured weekly are loss of control, verbal rules, and well-being.

Discussion: This study is innovative in several respects, regarding both treatment development and implementation. The results of the study will guide a future randomized controlled trial, as well as the development of the intervention and intervention implementation within ordinary addiction care.

Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov, NCT ID: NCT03946098. Registered 10 May 2019.

Keywords: Gambling; Gambling disorder; Ordinary addiction care; Problem gambling; Psychiatric comorbidity; iCBT.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.

© The Author(s) 2020.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Recruitment paths and participant flow
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Example of treatment content. Cases illustrating treatment procedures
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Power curves as a function of post-treatment means, SDs, and within-r, with line weights according to resulting effect size

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Source: PubMed

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