Grant et al (2008) - Opiate Antagonists for treating Gambling Disorder (ICDs)

What is the main focus of the Grant et al. (2008) study?

Investigating whether opiate-based drugs reduce gambling behaviour in people with gambling disorders.

What type of experimental design did Grant et al. (2008) use?

A double-blind experimental design.

Describe the sample used in Grant et al. (2008).

284 participants with gambling disorders, roughly equal numbers of males and females.

What were the conditions participants were assigned to?

A 16-week course of nalmefene, an 18-week course of naltrexone, or a placebo.

How was gambling behaviour measured in the study?

Using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) adapted for gambling severity.

How did Grant et al. (2008) define a successful reduction in gambling?

A ≥35% reduction in Y-BOCS scores for at least one month after treatment.

What were the main findings of the study?

The opiate group showed a significant reduction in gambling symptoms compared to the placebo group.

What individual factors increased treatment effectiveness?

Participants with a family history of alcoholism and those who received higher doses of opiates showed greater symptom reduction.

What does the study suggest about biochemical treatments for gambling?

Opiates can reduce gambling behaviour, but effectiveness varies depending on individual differences.

What other psychological aspects were considered in treatment response?

Participants’ depression, anxiety, and psychosocial functioning were considered.