Mobile app to help reduce problem gambling
Change 4 Better (C4B): A Smartphone App to Address Problem Gambling
This study is testing whether a mobile app can help people with gambling problems feel better when used alongside regular treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06963931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research evaluates the effectiveness of the Change4Better (C4B) mobile app in reducing problem gambling severity compared to standard treatment. The study involves a 6-month randomized clinical trial for individuals with gambling disorders, who are either enrolled in or seeking outpatient treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard treatment as usual or standard treatment plus access to the C4B app, which is based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. The app will be managed by the Yale research team and is designed to be used alongside traditional treatment methods.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who meet the DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder and are seeking or currently enrolled in outpatient treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, untreated psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or those requiring medical detoxification for substance dependence may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a valuable tool for individuals struggling with problem gambling, enhancing their treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile apps for behavioral health interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older; 2. able to speak, read and write in English; 3. report gambling in the past month (28 days); 4. meet DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder within past 12 months as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for Pathological Gambling - DSM-5 version (SCI-PG-DSM); 5. at least mild gambling severity as measured by GSAS (Total \>8) 6. seeking or currently enrolled in treatment for gambling; if seeking treatment, must be deemed appropriate for outpatient level of care by treatment facility clinical team 7. own a smartphone with internet access. Exclusion Criteria: 1. unwilling or unable to provide informed consent due to severe cognitive impairment or inability to read; 2. deemed to have current untreated psychosis or mania; 3. active suicidal ideation; 4. physical dependence on opioids and/or alcohol requiring medical detoxification.
Where this trial is running
New Haven, Connecticut and 3 other locations
- CommuniCare — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
- Connecticut Renaissance — Norwalk, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
- United Community & Family Services — Norwich, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
- Mcca — Waterbury, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian Kiluk, PhD — Yale Universaity
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth Doohan
- Email: elizabeth.doohan@yale.edu
- Phone: 203-506-8043
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.