Session Title

Session 3-3-B: Special Topics

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

25-5-2023 1:30 PM

End Date

25-5-2023 3:00 PM

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Gambling disorder (GD) is a behavioural addiction that affects millions of people worldwide. Although various treatment approaches have been developed to manage this condition, many individuals still struggle to overcome their addiction. Recent studies have suggested that psilocybin-assisted therapy may be a promising treatment option for gambling disorder. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with gambling disorder.

I intend to conduct an open-label trial as part of my PhD with approximately 12 participants with a diagnosis of gambling disorder. The participants will undergo psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions, with a trained therapist. The primary outcome measure will be the change in the severity of gambling disorder symptoms one month after the second therapy session, as measured by the PGSI. Secondary outcome measures will include changes in anxiety, depression, quality of life, and cognitive flexibility.

Alternatively, if I cannot get authorisation from the local authorities in Gibraltar, I intend to conduct the study in a naturalistic setting in a psilocybin retreat in the Netherlands with a similar group of participants.

The study will assess the safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy in this population and evaluate the acceptability and outcomes of the intervention.

Implications: Psilocybin-assisted therapy may help people affected by GD by increasing self-awareness, promoting introspection, and facilitating a spiritual experience that can help individuals break free from negative thought patterns. This research aims to understand the potential of psilocybin for the treatment of Gambling disorder.

Keywords

Psilocybin-assisted therapy Gambling disorder Open-label trial Efficacy Safety

Author Bios

Pedro is a seasoned Safer Gambling expert. He has worked in senior roles at leading iGaming companies throughout his career. He also held the role of Head of Gambling Therapy, a UK-based charity that provides online support for problem gamblers worldwide.

Pedro is a trained psychologist and psychodynamic counsellor with extensive CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) training and more than a decade of experience in multiple settings including private practice, university and clinics. Pedro is also an Executive Leadership Coach, trained at the prestigious Tavistock Institute. He combines his clinical practice with industry consultancy and research at the CERG.

Funding Sources

I am in the process of exploring different avenues to fund the research.

Competing Interests

PR provides training and consultancy for gambling operators as an independent consultant, he is also Chief of Safer Gambling partnerships for the Scottish charity betblocker.org which provides free gambling blocking software for people affected by gambling related harm. Betblocker is mainly founded by UKGC LCCP RET and donations from operators in licensed jurisdictions. PR is also a Non-Executive Director for ESG Gaming not-for-profit, registered and regulated Community Interest Company. PR is a PhD student and Safer Gambling Consultant at the Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gambling (CERG) at the University of Gibraltar.

Comments

The methodology of the research and the participants (potentially veterans with gambling disorder) may change as I am in the early stages of my PhD.

During the 18th conference, I will be liaising with charities and operators to promote the work of the charity Betblocker and its free gambling-blocking software.

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May 25th, 1:30 PM May 25th, 3:00 PM

Can psilocybin assisted therapy help people with gambling disorder?

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Gambling disorder (GD) is a behavioural addiction that affects millions of people worldwide. Although various treatment approaches have been developed to manage this condition, many individuals still struggle to overcome their addiction. Recent studies have suggested that psilocybin-assisted therapy may be a promising treatment option for gambling disorder. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with gambling disorder.

I intend to conduct an open-label trial as part of my PhD with approximately 12 participants with a diagnosis of gambling disorder. The participants will undergo psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions, with a trained therapist. The primary outcome measure will be the change in the severity of gambling disorder symptoms one month after the second therapy session, as measured by the PGSI. Secondary outcome measures will include changes in anxiety, depression, quality of life, and cognitive flexibility.

Alternatively, if I cannot get authorisation from the local authorities in Gibraltar, I intend to conduct the study in a naturalistic setting in a psilocybin retreat in the Netherlands with a similar group of participants.

The study will assess the safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy in this population and evaluate the acceptability and outcomes of the intervention.

Implications: Psilocybin-assisted therapy may help people affected by GD by increasing self-awareness, promoting introspection, and facilitating a spiritual experience that can help individuals break free from negative thought patterns. This research aims to understand the potential of psilocybin for the treatment of Gambling disorder.