Biomaterial Database

The treatment of compulsive gambling. 1980

D Lester

The techniques used for treating compulsive gamblers are reviewed. They include psychoanalytic psychotherapy, aversion therapy, marital therapy, and self-help groups (Gamblers Anonymous). The problems especially important in treating compulsive gamblers include lack of motivation for change and the role of the significant others in maintaining the gambler as the scapegoat of the family. Although therapists report good success in treating gamblers, the sporadic nature of gambling probably inflates "success' rates.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008388	Marital Therapy	A form of psychotherapy involving both spouses and directed to improving the marital relationship.	Marriage Therapy,Therapy, Marital,Therapy, Marriage,Marital Therapies,Marriage Therapies,Therapies, Marital,Therapies, Marriage
D011572	Psychoanalysis	The separation or resolution of the psyche into its constituent elements. The term has two separate meanings: 1. a procedure devised by Sigmund Freud, for investigating mental processes by means of free association, dream interpretation and interpretation of resistance and transference manifestations; and 2. a theory of psychology developed by Freud from his clinical experience with hysterical patients. (From Campbell, Psychiatric Dictionary, 1996).	Psychodynamic Analysis,Analyses, Psychodynamic,Analysis, Psychodynamic,Psychodynamic Analyses
D003192	Compulsive Behavior	The behavior of performing an act persistently and repetitively without it leading to reward or pleasure. The act is usually a small, circumscribed behavior, almost ritualistic, yet not pathologically disturbing. Examples of compulsive behavior include twirling of hair, checking something constantly, not wanting pennies in change, straightening tilted pictures, etc.	Behavior, Compulsive,Behaviors, Compulsive,Compulsive Behaviors
D005715	Gambling	An activity distinguished primarily by an element of risk in trying to obtain a desired goal, e.g., playing a game of chance for money.	Pathological Gambling,Gambling, Pathologic,Gambling, Pathological,Gamblings,Gamblings, Pathological,Pathological Gamblings
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001348	Aversive Therapy	A treatment that suppresses undesirable behavior by simultaneously exposing the subject to unpleasant consequences.	Aversion Therapy,Therapy, Aversion,Therapy, Aversive,Aversion Therapies,Aversive Therapies,Therapies, Aversion,Therapies, Aversive
D012309	Risk-Taking	Undertaking a task involving a challenge for achievement or a desirable goal in which there is a lack of certainty or a fear of failure. It may also include the exhibiting of certain behaviors whose outcomes may present a risk to the individual or to those associated with him or her.	Risk Behavior,Behavior, Risk,Behaviors, Risk,Risk Behaviors,Risk Taking
D012657	Self-Help Groups	Organizations which provide an environment encouraging social interactions through group activities or individual relationships especially for the purpose of rehabilitating or supporting patients, individuals with common health problems, or the elderly. They include therapeutic social clubs.	Social Clubs, Therapeutic,Support Groups,Clubs, Therapeutic Social,Therapeutic Social Clubs,Club, Therapeutic Social,Group, Self-Help,Group, Support,Groups, Self-Help,Groups, Support,Self Help Groups,Self-Help Group,Social Club, Therapeutic,Support Group,Therapeutic Social Club