Follow-up of pathological gamblers after treatment.

Pathological gamblers entering a comprehensive treatment program were thoroughly assessed before treatment and 6 months after completion of treatment. The reports of gamblers and collateral informants were highly consistent. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 57 of the 66 patients entering treatment. Total abstinence was reported by 56% (N = 32) of the patients located for follow-up, and significant improvement on a wide range of measures was documented. The authors feel that the results demonstrate that pathological gambling is a treatable mental disorder.