A REVIEW OF EVIDENCE-BASED PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GAMBLING DISORDER

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive review of contemporary evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of gambling disorder (ludomania). The study aims to summarize recent empirical findings (2018–2023) regarding the application and effectiveness of cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy (ET), motivational interviewing (MI), online interventions, and combined psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines. The results indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy remains the most effective and empirically validated method for treating gambling disorder, targeting cognitive distortions, impulsivity control, and relapse prevention (Hedges’ g = -0.71; p < 0.01). Exposure therapy, based on desensitization principles, effectively reduces gambling cravings and shows a large treatment effect (Hedges’ g = -1.01; p < 0.001). Motivational interviewing enhances readiness for behavioral change and adherence to therapy, particularly when combined with CBT. Online CBT-based programs and mobile applications provide accessible and moderately effective interventions for individuals who lack direct access to psychotherapy (average effect size g ≈ 0.41; p < 0.05). In severe cases, combined therapeutic approaches involving both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy – especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and opioid receptor antagonists – demonstrate promising results. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health clinical protocol (2024), CBT, MI, and pharmacotherapy are recommended as standard treatments for gambling disorder. Nevertheless, the accessibility of psychological services and the development of specialized training programs for mental health professionals in Ukraine remain limited. The review concludes that evidence-based psychotherapeutic methods constitute the most effective and safe approach to managing gambling disorder. Their integration into clinical practice improves remission rates, reduces relapse risk, enhances treatment adherence, and contributes to long-term psychosocial rehabilitation of patients.