A Report on the Use of In Vivo Desensitization Combined with Biofeedback and Structured Metaphor/CBT Sessions

Date
2005-06-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
eCOMMUNITY: International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction
Abstract
This paper describes the clinical use of biofeedback and in vivo desensitization sessions as part of a treatment package for clients with pathological gambling disorders. This package is used to enhance the understanding of addiction and control of arousal in the presence of Video Gambling Machines (VGMs) or Pokie Machines for clients with problem gambling associated with these machines. Biofeedback was used to exacerbate the effectiveness of an in vivo desensitization for clients by presenting to clients measurements of their heart beat rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) before and after a brief exposure to VGMs. This report includes data from five clients but is not is a case report not an evaluation. The possibilities of evaluating this package are discussed and it is suggested that this treatment package may be suitable for inclusion in a best practice research project evaluating the treatment of pathological gambling as it provides flexibility for clients and clinicians while offering researchers the consistency required for effective research.
Description
Copyright © Masood Zangeneh, Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction
Keywords
Compulsive Gambling -- Treatment
Citation
Townshend, P. (2005). A report on the use of in vivo desensitization combined with biofeedback and structured metaphor/CBT sessions. eCOMMUNITY: International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction, 3(1), 26-29.