Effects of a depression-focused internet intervention in slot machine gamblers: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Problematic and pathological gambling have been linked to depression. Despite a high demand for treatment and negative financial consequences, only a small fraction of problematic and pathological gamblers seek professional help. The existing treatment gap could be narrowed by providing low-threshold, anonymous internet-based interventions. The aim of the present study was to examine the acceptance and efficacy of an online-intervention for depression ("Deprexis") in a sample of problematic and pathological slot-machine gamblers. We hypothesized that the intervention group would show a greater reduction in both depressive and gambling-related symptoms compared to a wait-list control group.

Method

A total of 140 individuals with self-reported gambling and mood prob

SUBMITTER: Bucker L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5993308 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature