Biomedical subjects

Robert Ladouceur

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Ladouceur.

41 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Which pathological gamblers will complete treatment?

OBJECTIVE: The study examined the characteristics of pathological gamblers who complete treatment, compared with those who terminate treatment prematurely. DESIGN: Two comparison groups comprising treatment completers and drop-outs. METHODS: In all, 112 pathological gamblers who undertook a cognitive treatment programme for gambling were compared on different variables. RESULTS: A high score on impulsivity at intake significantly differentiated those participants who dropped out from treatment completers. There were no differences on socio-demographic and gambling-related characteristics, depression, anxiety, problem-solving skills and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: These data implicate impulsivity as a significant factor in treatment drop-outs.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Benzodiazepine withdrawal in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: efficiency of a behavioral and cognitive intervention].

Benzodiazepine medication is often prescribed for the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. The chronic nature of generalized anxiety disorder entails a prolonged use of these psychotropic medication on several months and several years, entailing also a psychological and physical addiction. The current study aims at determining if the combination of a behavioral and cognitive therapy and gradual withdrawal facilitate interrupting the use of benzodiazepine in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. In total, five participants have received the combined intervention according to an experimental protocol of unique case with multiple levels. Four among them have completed the withdrawal plan and have demonstrated important clinical improvements. Data collected during the 3rd and 6th month indicate the preservation of therapeutic gain. These results suggest that behavioral and cognitive therapy facilitates stopping the use of benzodiazepine medication in patients with generalized anxiety disorder by significantly reducing anxious symptoms.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2002

Prevention of problem gambling: modifying misconceptions and increasing knowledge.

Research on gambling clearly demonstrates that today's youth are very much involved in gambling activities. As they take part in these activities, young people develop and entertain irrational thoughts about gambling and become at risk for developing severe gambling problems. In this study, a video specifically designed to correct misconceptions and increase knowledge about gambling was tested on 424 grade 7 and 8 students. The effectiveness of the video was evaluated using four different experimental conditions. Findings indicated that the video significantly improved subjects' knowledge about gambling and corrected their misconceptions. The implications of these results for the prevention of gambling problems are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Symbols presentation modality as a determinant of gambling behavior.

In this study, the authors investigated the effects that modality of symbol presentation on video lottery terminals (sequential vs. simultaneous) has on gambling behavior. They predicted that sequential presentation would incite players to prolong their gambling session. Results confirmed this prediction and showed that modality of presentation is a determinant of gambling persistency. The authors discuss the relationship between modality of presentation, hopes of an imminent win, losses, and practical and theoretical issues about other cognitive and emotional elements that may influence gamblers' behaviors.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Parents' Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Gambling Among Youths.

This study evaluates attitudes and knowledge of parents regarding gambling behaviors among youths, aged 5 to 17 years. Telephone interviews were conducted among 279 randomly selected parents (32% fathers and 68% mothers) in the Quebec City region. Results indicate that parents overestimate the age of children's first wagers and underestimate the probability that their own child has already gambled. Most parents (86%) believe that the availability of gambling for youths should be reduced and that schools should include prevention programs concerning problem gambling. Results also show that parents fail to associate excessive gambling with poor grades or with alcohol and drug use. Finally, 84% of the parents reported that they would accept buying lottery tickets for their child. These results suggest that prevention programs for excessive gambling among children should include information for parents.

Journal Article↗