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Psychological treatment dropout among pathological gamblers
Katherine M Melville1, Leanne M Casey, David J Kavanagh
1School of Psychology, Mt Gravatt Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia. K.Melville@griffith.edu.au
Clinical Psychology Review
|April 17, 2007
Summary
High dropout rates, averaging 31%, plague psychological treatments for pathological gambling. More research is needed to understand and reduce patient dropout for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Premature dropout from pathological gambling treatments can hinder progress.
- Understanding dropout is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review current research on dropout from psychological treatments for pathological gambling.
- To identify the extent of dropout and factors influencing it.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 12 studies from five countries.
- Analysis of reported dropout rates and predictive variables.
Main Results:
- Dropout rates ranged from 14% to 50%, with a median of 26%; overall, 31% of participants dropped out.
- Evidence on predictors of dropout is limited, inconsistent, and lacks a coherent, gambling-specific model.
- Two studies using motivational techniques showed promising short-term effects on reducing dropout, but inconsistent long-term results.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant need for more rigorous investigation into dropout extent and predictors in pathological gambling treatment.
- Further research is required to develop and test interventions aimed at enhancing treatment retention and reducing dropout.
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