A Clinician's Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers

Problem gambling is a recognised mental disorder and a significant public health issue internationally. A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers introduces the reader to the concept of problem gambling as an illness, it describes the current gambling habits and explores the way problem gambling may present in an individual. This guide is the product of a collaboration between two of the country’s most eminent experts on problem gambling as a psychiatric disorder. Bowden-Jones and George bring together contributions from leading clinicians working in the field to provide an outline of the epidemiology, aetiology, research, assessment procedures and treatment practices which are discussed and presented in an accessible and engaging manner. The inclusion of questionnaires and screening tools adds to the ‘hands on’ feel of the book. The book covers a range of topics that clinicians and trainees need in order to review and understand the disorder, including, amongst others: Cognitive behavioural models of problem gambling Psychiatric co-morbidity Family interventions Gambling and women Remote gambling A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers will be essential reading for mental health professionals working with problem gamblers, as well as those in training, it is a comprehensive reference point on all aspects of this psychiatric condition. It is also aimed at various other groups of people who have an interest in the field of problem gambling, including academics, researchers, policy makers, NHS commissioners, probation officers, other health care professionals, the lay reader and family members of those affected by gambling.

Table of Contents:
Bowden-Jones, George, Introduction. Wardle, The British Gambling Prevalence Surveys. Roaf, Gambling and Public Health. Geel, Etiology of Problem Gambling. Smith, Shah, Cognitive Behavioural Models of Problem Gambling. Clark, Neurobiology of Gambling. Gaston, Psychiatric Comorbidity in Gambling. Velleman, Cousins, Orford, Effects of Gambling on the Family. Kaspar, Gambling: Screening, Assessment and Diagnosis. Petry, Psychological Treatments: Brief Interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Treatments, Counselling and Gamblers Anonymous. Bullock, Potenza, Pharmacological Treatments. George, Bowden-Jones, Family Interventions in Gambling. Dhillon, Gambling and Women. Essau, Gambling and Young People. Griffiths, Remote Gambling. Appendices.

About the Author :
Henrietta Bowden-Jones is a doctor trained in psychiatry and neuroscience. She is Founder and Director of the National Problem Gambling Clinic CNWL NHS Trust and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Brain Science Division, Imperial College, UK. Sanju George is a consultant in addiction psychiatry, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, and is an opinion leader in the field of gambling addiction.

Review :
"Problem gambling is being increasingly recognised as a major addiction that can create significant problems for patients and their families. This volume emerges from the experience of the clinicians who have to deal with it on a daily basis and brings together experts in the range of sciences that underpin an improved knowledge of gambling, how it can become an addiction, and how best to help people overcome it." – David Nutt, the Edmond J. Safra Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology Imperial College London 'A useful and informative textbook based on the work of the first and only NHS national clinic in the UK, this clinicians' guide will teach many health professionals and students the most evidence-based approach to tackling problem gambling issues' – Simon Wessely, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists