Exploring the Association between Gambling-Related Offenses, Substance Use, Psychiatric Comorbidities, and Treatment Outcome

Several studies have explored the association between gambling disorder (GD) and gambling-related crimes. However, it is still unclear how the commission of these offenses influences treatment outcomes. In this longitudinal study we sought: (1) to explore sociodemographic and clinical differences (e...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Vintró Alcaraz, Cristina, Mestre Bach, Gemma, Granero, Roser, Caravaca, Elena, Gómez Peña, Mónica, Moragas, Laura, Baenas, Isabel, Del Pino Gutiérrez, Amparo, Valero Solís, Susana, Lara Huallipe, Milagros Lizbeth, Mora Maltas, Bernat, Valenciano Mendoza, Eduardo, Guillen Guzmán, Elías, Codina, Ester, Menchón Magriñá, José Manuel, Fernández Aranda, Fernando, Jiménez-Murcia, Susana
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/188888
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/188888
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Joc compulsiu
Psicopatologia
Compulsive gambling
Pathological psychology
Descripción
Sumario:Several studies have explored the association between gambling disorder (GD) and gambling-related crimes. However, it is still unclear how the commission of these offenses influences treatment outcomes. In this longitudinal study we sought: (1) to explore sociodemographic and clinical differences (e.g., psychiatric comorbidities) between individuals with GD who had committed gambling-related illegal acts (differentiating into those who had had legal consequences (n = 31) and those who had not (n = 55)), and patients with GD who had not committed crimes (n = 85); and (2) to compare the treatment outcome of these three groups, considering dropouts and relapses. Several sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed, including the presence of substance use, and comorbid mental disorders. Patients received 16 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Patients who reported an absence of gambling-related illegal behavior were older, and showed the lowest GD severity, the most functional psychopathological state, the lowest impulsivity levels, and a more adaptive personality profile. Patients who had committed offenses with legal consequences presented the highest risk of dropout and relapses, higher number of psychological symptoms, higher likelihood of any other mental disorders, and greater prevalence of tobacco and illegal drugs use. Our findings uphold that patients who have committed gambling-related offenses show a more complex clinical profile that may interfere with their adherence to treatment.