Do attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms influence treatment outcome in gambling disorder?

Abstract

Background and aimsNumerous studies point to the comorbidity between gambling disorder (GD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there is a lack of research exploring how ADHD symptoms might influence psychological treatment outcomes for GD. Therefore, we aimed to explore differences between patients with GD with and without self-reported ADHD symptoms regarding psychopathology, personality, sociodemographic and treatment outcome measures. MethodThis longitudinal study included 170 patients with GD receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. Multiple self-reported instruments were used to assess clinical variables and sociodemographic measures prior to treatment. ResultsA clinical profile characterized by greater GD severity, higher psychopathology and impulsivity, and less adaptive personality features was observed in patients with self-reported ADHD symptoms compared to those without. No significant differences in treatment response (measured by dropout and relapse rates) were observed between the two groups. However, patients with self-reported ADHD symptoms experienced more severe relapses (i.e., gambled more money) and GD patients who relapsed scored higher on measures of ADHD, particularly inattention. ConclusionIndividuals with GD and self-reported symptoms of ADHD may experience more severe relapses following treatment, suggesting a need for more vigilant follow-up and interventions for patients with this comorbidity.