Emerging Treatments for Gambling Disorder: Magnets, Mushrooms and Meds

Class Description

As of 2024, there are no FDA-approved medications or medical devices for gambling disorder. This presentation will review the theory and practical applications of novel treatment approaches for gambling disorder, specifically, psychedelic compounds, transcranial magnetic stimulation and medications such as varenicline and cannabidiol (CBD). Understanding how and why these treatments may or may not apply to gambling disorder is critical to a deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of gambling disorder. Practical strategies for educating and discussing the risk and possible benefits with individuals with gambling disorder and their family will be emphasized.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this class, you will be able to:

• Review three recently published studies (since 2022) of TMS, medications and medications strategies for treatment for gambling disorder.
• Be able to describe three potential benefits and three potential side effects of emerging treatments in educating patients and families.
• Develop a plan on how to network with three providers who utilize TMS or emerging FDA-approved medications and encourage them to screen for gambling disorder.

Educational Goals

• Describe theoretical strategies of how emerging treatments for gambling disorder might work.
• Evaluate how and when to consider emerging treatment for gambling disorder.
• Be able to answer questions about emerging treatments with patients and family members.

Outline

• Review existing treatment options for gambling disorder — 10 min
• Review mechanisms and how TMS may impact gambling disorder – 10 min
• Review mechanisms and how Psychedelic substances may impact gambling disorder — 10 min
• Review mechanisms and how newer medications like, GLP-1 agonists may impact gambling disorder — 10 min
• Review practical strategies for handling questions about these treatments — 10 min
• General questions — 10 min