Randomized controlled trial of an Internet intervention for problem gambling provided with or without access to an Internet intervention for co-occurring mental health distress

John A Cunningham, David C Hodgins, Corey S Mackenzie, Alexandra Godinho, Christina Schell, Vladyslav Kushnir, Christian S Hendershot, John A Cunningham, David C Hodgins, Corey S Mackenzie, Alexandra Godinho, Christina Schell, Vladyslav Kushnir, Christian S Hendershot

Abstract

Background and aims: The current randomized controlled trial tested whether there was benefit to providing an online gambling intervention and a separate self-help mental health intervention for anxiety and depression (i.e. MoodGYM) (G + MH), compared to only a gambling intervention (G only) among people with co-occurring gambling problems and mental health distress. The primary outcome of interest was improvement in gambling outcomes. Secondary analyses also tested for the impact of the combined intervention on depression and anxiety outcomes.

Methods: Participants who were concerned about their gambling were recruited to help evaluate an online intervention for gamblers. Those who met criteria for problem gambling were randomized to receive either the G only or the G + MH intervention. Participants were also assessed for current mental health distress at baseline, with three quarters (n = 214) reporting significant current distress and form the sample for this study. Participants were followed-up at 3- and 6-months to assess changes in gambling status, and improvements in depression and anxiety.

Results: Follow-up rates were poor (47% completed at least one follow-up). While there were significant reductions in gambling outcomes, as well as on measures of current depression and anxiety, there was no significant difference in outcomes between participants receiving the G only versus the G + MH intervention.

Discussion and conclusion: There does not appear to be a benefit to providing access to an additional online mental health intervention to our online gambling intervention, at least among participants who are concerned about their gambling.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.govNCT02800096; Registration date: June 14, 2016.

Keywords: Co-occurring disorders; Gambling; Internet intervention; Randomized controlled trial.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Consort chart.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Gambling severity and frequency across time for gamblers with co-occurring mental health symptoms in the G-only and G + MH intervention (N = 214).

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