Transdiagnostic Features of Gambling Disorder and Substance Use Disorders

Increasingly, addictions are being conceptualized by their similarities. These similarities, or transdiagnostic processes, are thought to underlie addictions. That is, addictive disorders are thought to be distinct manifestations of similar underlying pathologies. Being able to understand the similarities of multiple addictive disorders may enable the simultaneous treatment of numerous addictions, creating a more effective treatment process for those with addictive disorders. However, research investigating the transdiagnostic processes of substance use and behavioural addictions is in its infancy, preventing the development of an effective treatment program. Therefore, this project will investigate the transdiagnostic processes of treatment-seeking individuals with gambling disorder and substance use disorders in São Paulo, Brazil. This study will be an important first step in the development of a transdiagnostic treatment program, in which we may develop a more effective treatment program for addictive disorder by targeting similar underlying symptoms of multiple addictive disorders.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Hodgins

Student:

Partner:

Universidade de São Paulo

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: