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Compulsive Gamblers in Treatment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

David Greenberg  and
Howard Rankin
David Greenberg
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5
Howard Rankin
Affiliation:
Addiction Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5
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Summary

Twenty-six male compulsive gamblers were seen in one hospital over the last 8 years. Five were single, and only 5 had stable marriages. In most cases the compulsive gambling preceded their marriage. The majority had criminal records arising out of their gambling debts. All were offered treatment based on behavioural principles, but only 5 gained and maintained control over their gambling, 7 lapsed intermittently, and the remaining 14 were gambling when last seen. The problems in treatment are discussed, and modifications suggested.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 140 , Issue 4 , April 1982 , pp. 364 - 366
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1982 

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