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Internet-CBT for Gambling Disorder - a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Gambling Disorder
Interventions
Behavioral: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT)
Registration Number
NCT06099522
Lead Sponsor
Karolinska Institutet
Brief Summary

The study is a randomized controlled trial (Total N=150; each condition n=75) of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), with measures at pre, weekly during treatment, post, three and at six month follow-up. Participants will be assigned to either standard iCBT and "Spelpaus" (treatment condition), or "Spelpaus" only (control condition).

Detailed Description

Recruitment will be done through online advertisement via social media and gambling-related websites. Participants will self-referred to the study via a study dedicated website (www.spelstudien.se). Login to a treatment platform will be verified using double authentication (detailed description of the online platform is provided in the application to the Swedish Ethical Review Authority). Written information about the study will be provided on the web page. Consent will be done online, with the possibility for participants to download study information and consent. Consenting participants will start a screening procedure. After screening, participants will be contacted for a telephone assessment with a clinical psychologist. During this interview, participants will be assessed for GD with a diagnostic interview, as well as the inclusion criteria for utilization of "Spelpaus". If meeting criteria for the study, participants will be referred to the baseline/pre-measures - which will start with an additional informed consent for the treatment phase and the iCBT. Inclusion will be done after the completion of the informed consent and baseline/pre-measures. After that, participant will be randomized to iCBT and "Spelpaus" (treatment condition), or "Spelpaus" only (control condition). Randomization will be conducted by a third party using a true random service, https://random.org. Participants assigned to the control condition in the randomized controlled trial will receive a voucher of total 1000 Swedish Krona's when completing the post and follow up measures. Participants assigned to the control condition in the randomized controlled trial will receive a voucher of total 1000 Swedish Krona's when completing the post and follow up measures.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
150
Inclusion Criteria
  • Screen positive for GD, as measured with the Gambling Disorder Identification Test (total score ≥20 GDIT).
  • Fulfilling GD, assessed according to the Structured Clinical Interview for Gambling Disorder (SCI-GD).
  • Utilization of "Spelpaus", 3 months from treatment start.
  • ≥18 years of age.
  • Able to provide digital informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Other ongoing psychological treatment for GD.
  • Severe depression, screened according to the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (total score >34 MADRS-S).
  • Suicidality, screening of ≥4 points on item 9 of the MADRS-S

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT)Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT)An 8-module internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program. Participants receiving treatment will simultaneously use "Spelpaus" - a self-exclusion gambling service.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale6 month after treatment cessation

Primary outcome will be gambling symptoms, measured with the the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 48, with higher scores indicated higher frequency of gambling symptoms.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The TimeLine Followback for gambling6 month after treatment cessation

Gambling behavior (days per week gambled) will be measured with a self-report item adapted from the TimeLine Followback for gambling.

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-itemscale6 month after treatment cessation

Anxiety symptoms will be measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-itemscale.

The Patient Health Questionnaire6 month after treatment cessation

Depressive symptoms will be measured with the The Patient Health Questionnaire.

The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test6 month after treatment cessation

Drug problems will be measured with the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test.

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test6 month after treatment cessation

Alcohol problems will be measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre for psychiatry research

🇸🇪

Stockholm, Sweden

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