Erschienen in:
01.01.2007
Are the Effects of Gambling Treatment Overestimated?
verfasst von:
James R. Westphal
Erschienen in:
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
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Ausgabe 1/2007
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Abstract
Background
Studies of clinical trials across the field of healthcare found use of designs that overestimate treatment effects.
Objective
review clinical trial designs used to develop gambling treatment evidence base for suitability to assess cause and effect and to accurately assess treatment effects.
Methods
literature review, grading of evidence, proportions and confidence limits
Results
The majority of published studies on gambling treatment are methodologically unsuited to determine treatment effects. Suitable (randomized and controlled) trails often use designs that can overestimate treatment effects. Attrition in published studies of gambling treatment is substantial, ranging from 11 to 83%. If attrition is not included in the analysis, overestimation of treatment effects may be similar in magnitude.
Conclusions
The current evidence may overestimate gambling treatment effects. The inclusion of intention to treat analysis, careful blinding, more equivalent control groups and measures of adherence to treatment would improve problem gambling treatment clinical trial design.