Computer-based Training (Retraining) for People With Gambling Problems
- Conditions
- Gambling, Pathological
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Retraining (AAT)
- Registration Number
- NCT03460288
- Lead Sponsor
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Brief Summary
The study examines the efficacy and acceptance of a computer-based training program for individuals with problematic or pathological gambling behavior. The study intends to investigate the extent to which the computer-based training program leads to a significant reduction in pathological gambling (primary outcome) when compared to a control group. The study design is a randomized-controlled trial with one intervention group and one wait-list control group.
- Detailed Description
The study examines the efficacy of a computer-based training program for individuals with problematic and pathological gambling behavior. The main objective of the study is to investigate the extent to which the online program leads to a significant reduction in pathological gambling. The primary outcome is the Pathological Gambling Adaptation of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsory Scale (PG-YBOCS total score) as a measure of the severity of pathological gambling symptoms. Secondary outcomes are further measures of gambling-related symptoms, such as the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), as well as rates of depression, measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 items depression module (PHQ-9), and rates of impulsivity, measured with the impulsivity subscale of the Eysenck's Impulsivity Inventory (I-7). The training is expected to lead to a significant reduction in problematic/pathological gambling behavior (PG-YBOCS) and all secondary outcomes when compared to a control group. The study design is a randomized-controlled trial with one intervention group and one wait-list control group and two assessment times (pre and post). The intervention group receives the download link for the training program directly following the baseline survey and can use the training over a period of 8 weeks, whereas the wait-list control group receives access to the training after completion of the post-survey.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 141
- informed consent
- access to internet
- sufficient command of the German language
- willingness to participate in two short (25-30 minutes) online surveys
- willingness to use the online program over a period of 8 weeks (participants who do not use the program are also included in the analysis)
- willingness to leave an (anonymous) email-address
- subjective need for treatment
- presence of a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- acute suicidal tendency (assessed with item 9 of the PHQ-9, ≥3)
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Intervention Group Retraining (AAT) The training-program includes ten pictures related to slot-machine gambling and 10 neutral pictures that need to be either pushed (i.e., avoidance) or pulled (i.e., approach) with the computer mouse or finger (when a tablet is used) according to a non-affective dimension (color of the frame). Pictures are presented in random order.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Pathological Gambling Adaptation of Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (PG-YBOCS) Change in PG-YBOCS from pre- to post-intervention (i.e. 8 week interval) The total score consists of ten items that measure the severity of gambling symptoms within the past week. The first five questions assess urges and thoughts associated with gambling, whereas the last five questions assess the behavioral component of the disorder. The sum score of each subscale ranges from 0-20. Each subscale can be analyzed separately as well as together as a total score (primary outcome). The total score can be interpreted as follows: 0-7: sub-clinical, 8-15: mild, 16-23: moderate, 24-31: severe and 32-40: extreme gambling symptoms.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 items depression module (PHQ-9) Change in PHQ-9 from pre- to post-intervention (i.e. 8 week interval) The PHQ-9 is used to assess depressive symptoms over the past week. The nine items of the questionnaire are based upon the diagnostic criteria of major depression. Internal consistency of the scale is very good (Cronbach´s α = .86 - .89).
South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) Change in SOGS from pre- to post-intervention (i.e. 8 week interval) 20-items self-report measure to screen for engagement in gambling activities and gambling-related problems. A score between 0-2 corresponds to non-problematic gambling, a score of 3-4 to at-risk gambling, and a score of 5-20 to probable pathological gambling.
Eysenck Impulsiveness Questionnaire - Subscale Impulsivity (I-7) Change in I-7 from pre- to post-intervention (i.e. 8 week interval) Impulsivity will be assessed with the 17-item impulsivity subscale of the Eysenck Impulsiveness Questionnaire, which consists of the three subscales impulsiveness, venturesomeness, and empathy (Eysenck, Pearson, Easting, \& Allsopp, 1985). The reliability of the subscale is good (α = .82 - .85).
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
🇩🇪Hamburg, Germany