A mobile app to help people with gambling disorder
Don't Go There: A Geospatial mHealth App for Gambling Disorder
NA · St. Louis University · NCT04158037
This study is testing a mobile app that helps people with gambling problems by alerting them when they're near places where they might be tempted to gamble.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Louis University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT04158037 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop and evaluate a mobile health application designed for individuals with gambling disorder. The app utilizes GPS technology to alert users when they are near gambling venues, helping them avoid triggers. A 12-week pilot randomized clinical trial will be conducted to assess the app's short-term efficacy among participants who meet specific criteria for gambling disorder. The study will involve monitoring user interactions with the app and its impact on gambling behaviors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking adults who meet DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder and have engaged in significant gambling activities recently.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with severe psychiatric conditions requiring acute care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this app could provide a valuable tool for individuals struggling with gambling disorder to manage their urges and reduce gambling-related harm.
How similar studies have performed: While mobile health interventions for behavioral disorders are emerging, this specific approach using geospatial alerts is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently meets DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder * At least 4 non-online gambling episodes in past 60 days * Wagering at least $100 total over past 60 days * Willingness to accept random assignment * English speaking * Android phone user Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years old * Severely disruptive behavior * Serious uncontrolled psychiatric behavior that requires acute psychiatric care * Decline permission to collect zero permission data from smartphone.
Where this trial is running
Saint Louis, Missouri
- Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, Missouri, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeremiah Weinstock, PhD — St. Louis University
- Study coordinator: Jeremiah Weintock, PhD
- Email: jeremiah.weinstock@health.slu.edu
- Phone: 314-977-2137
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Gambling Disorder, mHealth App