Internet-based CBT intervention for gamblers in Finland: experiences from the field

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is a viable treatment for gambling disorder.
• Gambling disorder is a significant public health issue with various associated comorbidities.
• Understanding factors influencing treatment outcomes is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week iCBT program for individuals with gambling problems.
• To identify variables associated with treatment outcomes in a Finnish cohort.
• To explore the relationship between gambling onset age and cognitive distortions.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 471 participants (325 males, 146 females) with varying levels of gambling problems (pathological, problem, at-risk) were recruited.
• Participants engaged in an 8-week internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program.
• Data were collected on gambling severity (NODS), urge, control, alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), social consequences, cognitive distortions, and depression (MARD-S).

Main Results:

• 224 participants completed the treatment, showing significant improvements in gambling problems, urge, control, alcohol consumption, social consequences, cognitive distortions, and depression.
• Comorbid alcohol consumption was more prevalent in males.
• A key finding was the association between earlier age of gambling onset and a higher number of gambling-related cognitive erroneous thoughts.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in reducing gambling-related problems and associated negative outcomes.
• Earlier age of gambling onset is a significant predictor of cognitive distortions in individuals with gambling disorder.
• Further research should investigate the mechanisms linking early onset to cognitive distortions and tailor interventions accordingly.