Sustained-release bupropion in the treatment of SSRI nonresponder pathologic gamblers: pilot study and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Pathologic gambling (PG) is a prevalent and disabling impulse-control disorder. Recent studies have consistently demonstrated that PG patients respond well to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters (SSRIs), mood stabilizers and opioid antagonists. These findings have supported the observation that PG is strongly associated with mood disorders, obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorders, panic disorder and addictive disorders. The aim of the study was to show the effectiveness of bupropion sustained release in PG. Methods: A total of 16 male PGs who had failed two previous trials of SSRI pharmacotherapy were enrolled in the study and were treated with bupropion sustained release for 12 weeks. A comprehensive psychiatric diagnostic evaluation was performed on all patients at baseline, and patients were screened for symptoms of gambling, depression and anxiety using the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the Clinica...