Abstract

The paper describes a treatment pilot for gambling and compulsive addiction within an NHS problem gambling clinic. The pilot study used a brief relational psychodynamic treatment protocol specifically designed to meet the needs of a group of patients who had not responded to CBT and who had other addictions or co- morbidities. Seventy two (n= 72) patients were offered 12 sessions of therapy by four psychodynamic counsellors. Results were assessed using pre and post treatment PHQ- 9, GAD- 7 and PGSI scores. Weekly feedback and supervision from counsellors and patients was used to assess the treatment model. The results highlighted that the Psychodynamic Addiction Model (PAM) was associated with reduced depression (Mean=14.9; SD 6.7), anxiety (Mean=11.5; SD 5.9) and gambling severity (p < .001), suggesting that a relational psychodynamic treatment is needed for complex patients with compulsive addiction, where CBT had not been successful. These results also highlight the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a critical factor in the treatment of patients with compulsive addiction problems.