Is motivational interviewing and/or cognitive behavioural group therapy an effective treatment for pathological gambling?

INTERVENTION: During eight weeks a participant was randomised to either four sessions of motivational interviewing, eight sessions of group cognitive behaviour therapy or a waitlist. Participants were assessed at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment, 6 month follow‐up and 12 month follow‐up. CONDITION: Problematic or pathological gambling ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Habit and impulse disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: National Opinion Research Center (NORC) Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems (NODS), measured at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment, 6 month follow‐up and 12 month follow‐up. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Time‐line follow‐back to track the frequency, intensity and other aspects of gambling; 2. Anxiety and depression: the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory; 3. Predictors: Readiness to Change Questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test; ; Measured at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment, 6 month follow‐up and 12 month follow‐up. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Anyone presenting with pathological gambling as primary diagnosis 2. Aged at least 18 years old, either sex 3. Willing to be randomised