Cognitive Remediation Interventions for Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the primary treatment for gambling disorder (GD), but suffers from high dropout and relapse rates.
• Neurocognitive deficits, including executive functioning, attention, and emotional regulation, contribute to treatment resistance in GD.
• Cognitive remediation (CR) shows promise for other addictive disorders and may address these underlying deficits in GD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential benefits of cognitive remediation (CR) interventions for managing gambling disorder (GD).
• To identify neurocognitive targets for CR in GD.
• To assess the current use and efficacy of CR interventions for GD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE and ScienceDirect up to January 2017.
• Reviewed neurocognitive deficits in individuals with GD.
• Examined existing literature on CR interventions for GD.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates significant neurocognitive deficits in GD, impacting quality of life and recovery.
• Literature on CR interventions specifically for GD is scarce, with no clinical studies found apart from one videogame trial.
• Optimal parameters for CR interventions (duration, intensity, delivery method) are not yet established.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive remediation (CR) is a promising, novel adjunct therapy for gambling disorder (GD).
• Further research is essential to explore CR's potential targets and effectiveness in GD populations.
• CR could enhance the efficacy and longevity of existing treatments like CBT, reducing relapse risk.