The Effect of a Brief Intervention for Problem Gamblers

The Effect of a Brief Intervention for Problem Gamblers - a Randomized Controlled

A pragmatic randomized pilot trial primarily examining the feasibility of a brief therapist guided online self-help program based on Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Participants will be randomized to either a treatment as usual condition (TAU) or to TAU plus CBT.

The current study is a pragmatic randomized pilot trial examining the feasibility and effects of a brief therapist guided online self-help program based on Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) . Participants will be randomized to either a treatment as usual condition (TAU) or to TAU plus CBT.

Participants will be recruited via the Swedish national gambling helpline. After assessment for eligibility participants will be randomized, using block randomization to ensure balanced groups, to either TAU or TAU+CBT.

The participants will be measured; at baseline, weekly during the intervention (6 weeks), immediately after the intervention and at 6 weeks after treatment termination. Informed consent will be collected prior any data collection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ≥ 18 years
• Experiencing gambling problems (PGSI ≥ 3 p)
• Good enough knowledge in Swedish
• Access to a smart phone or computer with internet connection

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being involved in another treatment study the previous 3 months
• Other concurrent treatment for gambling problems
• Being on a non-stable pharmacological treatment for any psychiatric condition
• Severe depression defined as a PHQ-9 score of 20 points or more