Approximately 90% of problem and pathological gamblers remain untreated. This treatment gap may be diminished by the implementation of low-threshold treatment programs. As cognitive distortions play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of gambling problems, interventions targeting gambling-related biases may be particularly effective. The aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility, acceptance, and safety of a novel metacognitive training for individuals with gambling problems (Gambling-MCT). Twenty-five participants were included in an uncontrolled pilot trial with two assessment points (intervention). The intervention comprised eight training modules targeting gambling-specific cognitive distortions. At baseline and post assessment, symptom severity, as measured with the PG-YBOCS, and gambling-related cognitive distortions, as measured with the GABS, were assessed. In addition, interim assessments measuring session-specific changes were conducted. Subjective appraisal was examined after each module and also post treatment. On average, participants took part in 4.16 (SD = 2.84) training sessions. Both intent-to-treat and per protocol analyses showed significant improvements on the PG-YBOCS and the GABS (d_z = 0.37–1.37). After Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, linear mixed models for the analysis of session-specific changes showed no deterioration in participants’ mental state after any of the modules. Subjective appraisal of Gambling-MCT was good. The present pilot study provides first evidence for the feasibility, acceptance, and safety of Gambling-MCT. Recruitment of participants remains challenging, emphasizing the importance of overcoming patient-related treatment barriers. Future studies need to investigate the efficacy of Gambling-MCT in randomized controlled trials.

大约90％的问题和病态赌徒仍未得到治疗。通过实施低阈值治疗计划，可以缩小这种治疗差距。由于认知扭曲在赌博问题的发展和维持中起着至关重要的作用，针对赌博相关偏见的干预措施可能特别有效。本研究的目的是研究针对有赌博问题的个人（Gambling-MCT）进行新型元认知训练的可行性，接受性和安全性。25名参与者被纳入具有两个评估点（干预）的非对照试验中。干预包括八个针对赌博特定认知失真的培训模块。在基线和评估后，用PG-YBOCS测量的症状严重程度，并评估了与赌博相关的认知畸变（通过GABS进行的测量）。此外，还进行了评估期会变化的中期评估。在每个模块之后以及治疗后都要进行主观评估。平均而言，参与者参加了4.16（SD  = 2.84）培训课程。意向性治疗和按方案分析均显示PG-YBOCS和GABS有了显着改善（d _z  = 0.37-1.37）。经过Bonferroni校正以进行多次测试后，用于分析特定于会话的变化的线性混合模型显示，在任何一个模块下，参与者的心理状态都没有恶化。赌博MCT的主观评价良好。本试验研究为赌博MCT的可行性，接受性和安全性提供了初步证据。招募参与者仍然具有挑战性，强调了克服与患者相关的治疗障碍的重要性。未来的研究需要研究Gambling-MCT在随机对照试验中的功效。