Treatment of pathological gambling - integrative systemic model

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Pathological gambling, now termed Gambling Disorder, is recognized as a behavioral addiction.
• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-V) reclassified gambling disorder, highlighting its distinct nature.
• Effective treatment models are crucial for managing this progressive disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the
• Integrative-systemic model
• for treating pathological gambling.
• To share treatment experiences and outcomes from the Daily Hospital for Addictions, Institute of Mental Health.
• To offer a valuable resource for clinicians managing gambling disorder.

Main Methods:

• A multi-systemic approach integrating family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• A 10-week intensive treatment phase followed by a two-year "extended treatment" (After care) program.
• Inclusion of psychodynamic, existential, and pharmacotherapy elements.

Main Results:

• The integrative-systemic model demonstrated over 90% abstinence from gambling one year post-intensive treatment.
• The treatment program involves distinct intensive and extended phases with specific therapeutic goals.
• Systemic-family therapy has been a focus at the Institute of Mental Health for over a decade.

Conclusions:

• The integrative-systemic model shows high effectiveness in treating gambling disorder.
• Long-term monitoring and evaluation are necessary to confirm sustained outcomes.
• The model's success suggests a promising direction for behavioral addiction treatment.