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Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pathological gambling: cultural considerations.
Mayumi Okuda1, Iván Balán, Nancy M Petry
1New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA. cb255@columbia.edu
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|December 3, 2009
Summary
This study shows how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be adapted for pathological gambling, especially considering cultural beliefs. Tailoring interventions improves treatment for diverse patients with gambling disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Cultural Psychiatry
Background:
- Pathological gambling is a prevalent mental health disorder with significant negative impacts on individuals and families.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a primary treatment modality for pathological gambling.
- Cultural factors can influence the manifestation and perpetuation of gambling disorder.
Observation:
- This case study details the application of modified CBT for a 51-year-old Afro-Caribbean immigrant woman with pathological gambling.
- The patient's cultural beliefs and those of her family influenced her gambling behavior.
- Specific CBT interventions were adapted to be culturally sensitive.
Findings:
- Cultural beliefs can perpetuate pathological gambling by shaping irrational thoughts and behaviors.
- Family attitudes, influenced by cultural values, play a role in a patient's gambling disorder.
- Culturally adapted CBT interventions, including challenging irrational thoughts and developing behavioral strategies, were employed.
Implications:
- Modifying CBT to incorporate cultural considerations is crucial for effective treatment of pathological gambling in diverse populations.
- Understanding the interplay of culture, beliefs, and family dynamics is essential for successful therapeutic outcomes.
- This approach highlights the need for culturally congruent mental health interventions to address gambling disorder.
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