Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Gambling Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans: A Brief Review

Session Title

Session 1-1-A: Problem Gambling and Vulnerable Communities, Part 1

Presenters

Catherine Hitch Dr, Swansea UniversityFollow
Dan Leightley Dr, King's College London
Dominic Murphy Prof, Combat Stress
Nora Trompeter Dr, King's College London
Simon Dymond Prof, Swansea University

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

23-5-2023 10:15 AM

End Date

23-5-2023 11:45 AM

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Military personnel are at increased risk of PTSD and gambling disorder (GD), and the two disorders are frequently comorbid. It is likely that gambling may provide an escape- and avoidance-based means of coping with traumatic experiences and associated reminders. Despite the heightened risk, little is known about comorbid PTSD and GD in veterans or the responsiveness of this population to new or existing treatment approaches. Third wave behavioral therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) target a transdiagnostic process - experiential avoidance – believed to be at the root of human suffering. While it is known that ACT shows considerable promise and may improve both PTSD and GD outcomes, research into the potential effectiveness of ACT among veterans is scarce. Here, we systematically review the evidence relating to the use of ACT for military populations with PTSD and/or GD. Next, we outline several areas that warrant further research and clinical treatment development. Finally, we evaluate the potential of ACT-informed treatment of avoidant-based coping in veterans experiencing problems related to PTSD and GD.

Implications

Despite considerable promise, there is currently a paucity of evidence on ACT approaches for treating GD and PTSD in veterans. Further work is needed on digital health interventions that may be suitable for improving outcomes and on identifying risk factors and comorbidity.

Keywords

Gambling Disorder, PTSD, Veterans, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Author Bios

Dr Catherine Hitch’s research mainly focuses on how military veterans help-seek for a range of physical and mental health difficulties, and how they perform self-management of their difficulties. Her research includes understanding the use of addictive behaviours as a coping strategy, particularly alcohol and gambling.

Daniel Leightley is a Research Fellow at King’s College for Military Health Research, an expert in app development, machine learning and big data analytics, and a member of the UK army reserve force. He has experience in designing, developing, and deploying digital interventions into health care settings.

Dominic Murphy has published over 150 papers and worked on 30+ grants within the field of military mental health using a range of research methodologies (combatstress.org.uk/research). His contribution to the field is recognised nationally and internationally, demonstrated by his current roles as President of the UK Psychological Trauma Society, Director/Trustee of the Forces in Mind Trust, work with NATO, and a member of the Five-Eyes Veterans Expert Group.

Nora Trompeter is a graduate student at King’s Centre for Military Health Research, London.

Simon Dymond is Professor of Psychology and Behaviour Analysis at Swansea University, where he is Director of the Gambling Research, Education and Treatment (GREAT) Network Wales and Co-Director of the Experimental Psychopathology Lab. He is a Visiting Professor at Reykjavík University, Iceland. He has received funding from a diverse range of international funders, such as Forces in Mind Trust, RAF Benevolent Fund, Health and Care Research Wales, GambleAware, and the International Center for Responsible Gaming.

Funding Sources

This study was funded by the RWIF (Research Wales Innovation Fund). The funding body had no involvement in this study.

Competing Interests

There are no competing interests