Which pathological gamblers will complete treatment?

OBJECTIVE

The study examined the characteristics of pathological gamblers who complete treatment, compared with those who terminate treatment prematurely.

DESIGN

Two comparison groups comprising treatment completers and drop-outs.

METHODS

In all, 112 pathological gamblers who undertook a cognitive treatment programme for gambling were compared on different variables.

RESULTS

A high score on impulsivity at intake significantly differentiated those participants who dropped out from treatment completers. There were no differences on socio-demographic and gambling-related characteristics, depression, anxiety, problem-solving skills and alcohol use.

CONCLUSIONS

These data implicate impulsivity as a significant factor in treatment drop-outs.