Posted on: August 12, 2024, 01:32h.
Last updated on: August 12, 2024, 01:32h.
Telehealth is proving effective in treating compulsive wagering, particularly for bettors that typically wager online, according to Kindbridge Behavioral Health.
In its new “Gambling Disorder Treatment Outcomes” report, the Tennessee-based provider of mental health services noted that clients faced symptoms such as major depression/suicidal tendencies and obsessive-compulsive behavior stemming from problematic betting habits and men were significantly vulnerable to those feelings than women. For example, Kindbridge pointed out that 33% of male bettors felt severely depressed compared to 12% of women betters feeling the same way. Nearly 76% of those surveyed were men.
Kindbridge observed that a 12-week regimen of telehealth services proved highly effective in reducing some of the worst psychological issues faced by those with compulsive wagering patterns.
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, which is the largest operator of mental health networks with an emphasis on problem betting, added that those stuck with the 12-week telehealth treatment option experienced a 76.5% drop in anxiety stemming from wagering.
Many Bettors Want Help
At a time when there’s increasing evidence that online sports betting, which is not the only source of compulsive wagering, is weighing on personal finances, there are some encouraging signs. Kindbridge noted that many of its clients dealing with over-the-top betting issues are ready for treatment.
The mental health provider’s report noted 46.24% of clients rated themselves as the highest level of readiness for treatment while more 30% placed themselves in the next two highest levels of readiness. Self-exclusion programs have helped.
“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 has relationships with some of the largest online betting companies, including BetMGM and DraftKings, that allow for clients that are worried about their habits to reach out to the mental health provider through those wagering platforms.
Examining Comorbidities of Problem Betting
Conventional wisdom has long held that two of the primary comorbidities of compulsive wagering are high levels of alcohol consumption and tobacco addiction. While 25% of clients examined by Kindbridge acknowledged concerning drinking patterns and another 24% said they’re frequent tobacco users, those aren’t the top comorbidities associated with problem betting.
Kindbridged noted major depression (47%) and obsessive compulsive disorder (47%) are the top comorbidities associated with out-of-control betting. Those were followed by hyperactivity (42%) and insomnia (42%).
Along with those four, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, and high levels of irritability ranked higher as compulsive betting comorbidities than alcohol and tobacco use. Fortunately, there’s hope for bettors looking to regain control and telehealth treatment can help.
“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.”
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