Computer-based Self-Help Program for People With Gambling Problems
Gambling, Pathologic
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Gambling, Pathologic focused on measuring Gambling, Problematic Gambling, Pathological Gambling
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- informed consent
- access to internet
- adequate usage of 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 that do not use the program are also included in the analysis)
- willingness to leave an (anonymous) email-address
- existence of the wish to receive treatment
Exclusion Criteria:
- existence of a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- existence of an acute suicidal tendency (assessed with item 9 of the PHQ-9, ≥3)
Sites / Locations
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
Online self-help program
Wait-list control group
The intervention group receives the login data for the online program directly following the baseline assessment. The program consists of 10 modules with many interactional exercises and homework-sheets. Themes that are addressed in the online-program are for example self-esteem, sleep hygiene, problem solving strategies, mindfulness-based relaxation and attention exercises as well as gambling-specific topics such as money/debt management and impulse control. In addition, the user learns to modify negative and gambling-specific thought distortions, to integrate positive activities into his/her daily routine, strategies to deal with the urge to play as well as ways to regulate debts and to prevent relapse.
The participants of the wait-list control condition do not receive any new intervention during the intervention period of 8 weeks, but may continue any treatment that has already been started before, including medication. Participants in the wait-list control condition receive full access to the program after completion of the post-assessment.