Pharmacological and Behavioral Approaches in the Treatment of Pathological Gambling / 대한정신약물학회지

ABSTRACT

Pathological gambling is classified as impulse control disorder in DSM-IV, but in clinical aspects it is similar with addictive disorder. Hence some pharmacological agents which are used to addictive disorders could be effective to pathological gambling. The author summarizes and discusses the treatment study results of mood stabilizers, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, naltrexone and other potentially promising agents. Recent double-blind, placebo-controlled studies show SSRIs and naltrexone effective to reduce urges of gamblers. However further studies with large patient population and longer treatment duration are required. The author also discusses cognitive behavioral treatment, family education and Gamblers Anony-mous (GA). Western cognitive behavioral treatment consists of cognitive correction, problem solving technique, social skill training and relapse prevention, but we need to modify these rechnics to fit to our clinical population.