According to Kindbridge Behavioral Health, telehealth is showing effectiveness in addressing compulsive gambling, especially for those who usually bet online.
In its latest report titled “Gambling Disorder Treatment Outcomes,” the Tennessee-based mental health service provider highlighted that clients experienced issues like severe depression/suicidal thoughts and obsessive-compulsive actions linked to harmful gambling habits, with men being notably more susceptible to these emotions compared to women. Kindbridge also highlighted that 33% of male gamblers experienced severe depression, in contrast to only 12% of female gamblers who reported similar feelings. Approximately 76% of the respondents were male.
Kindbridge found that a 12-week program of telehealth services was very effective in alleviating some of the most severe psychological problems encountered by individuals with compulsive gambling behaviors.
"The average score decreased significantly from 8.9 (mild depression) to 3.1 (minimal to no depressive symptoms) over four assessments conducted over a 12 week period, achieving a 65.2% reduction, surpassing the standard industry benchmark of a 50% reduction in scores,” according to the healthcare provider.
Kindbridge, the largest provider of mental health networks focusing on gambling issues, noted that individuals using the 12-week telehealth treatment option saw a 76.5% reduction in anxiety related to betting.
Numerous Gamblers Seek Assistance
As evidence mounts that online sports betting, not the sole contributor to compulsive gambling, is impacting individual finances, there are positive indications emerging. Kindbridge observed that numerous clients facing excessive betting problems are prepared for treatment.
The report from the mental health provider indicated that 46% of clients assessed themselves at the highest readiness level for treatment, while over 30% rated themselves in the two subsequent highest levels of readiness. Self-exclusion initiatives have been beneficial.
“An increase in individuals arriving with a 10/10 rating on the readiness to change scale has been observed, attributed to the direct connection with Self-Exclusion programs offered by casino operators. These individuals access treatment at a critical time when they are most ready to engage, and a large portion of them follow through with the program,” observed Kindbridge.
Kindbridge collaborates with several major online betting firms, such as BetMGM and DraftKings, enabling clients concerned about their behaviors to connect with the mental health provider via those gambling sites.
Analyzing Comorbid Conditions in Problem Gambling
It has been traditionally believed that high levels of alcohol use and tobacco dependency are two major comorbidities associated with compulsive gambling. Although 25% of clients reviewed by Kindbridge recognized troubling drinking habits, and 24% admitted to being regular tobacco users, these are not the primary comorbidities linked to gambling issues.
Kindbridge observed that major depression (47%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (47%) rank as the leading comorbidities linked to uncontrolled gambling. These were succeeded by hyperactivity (42%) and insomnia (42%).
In addition to those four, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, and significant irritability were found to be more prevalent as comorbidities of compulsive gambling than alcohol and tobacco consumption. Luckily, there’s optimism for gamblers seeking to regain control, and telehealth therapy can assist.
“Significant improvements were evident after just 8 weeks of treatment, with exceptionally positive results at the 12-week mark,” concluded Kindbridge. “These outcomes validate the effectiveness of teletherapy in addressing both gambling behaviors and associated mental health conditions. Continued support and resource allocation are essential to sustain recovery and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by gambling disorders. Future reports will include data specific to gambling harm symptoms as it becomes available.”