IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Some form of legalized gambling now exists in every state except Hawaii and Utah. Most adults gamble responsibly but with this proliferation, more people are developing pathological gambling ñ gambling that is out of control and leads to personal distress and/or marital, legal and financial difficulties.
Individuals with this problem are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care treatment study. The study will examine the effectiveness of the drug bupropion in treating pathological gambling. Some participants may receive a placebo (inactive medication).
Participants must be age 18 or older and cannot be depressed or abusing alcohol or drugs. Participants must be able to read and write English. Women must not be pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the study period.
Study participation involves a total of nine visits to the UI over three months. The first visit includes a physical examination. The follow-up visits involve assessment of the participant's gambling and other problems as well as a discussion of the medication and its side effects. Compensation will be provided.
The study, which received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, is being led by Donald W. Black, M.D., UI professor of psychiatry.
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA Health News
University of Iowa Health Care
5137 Westlawn
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Media Contact: Becky Soglin
Health Science Relations
(319) 335-6660
becky-soglin@uiowa.edu
Release: March 17, 2004
For more information, contact Kelsie Forbush, clinical trial coordinator, at (319) 353-3904 or forbushk@mail.medicine.uiowa.edu.
University of Iowa Health Care describes the partnership between the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and UI Hospitals and Clinics and the patient care, medical education and research programs and services they provide. Visit UI Health Care online at www.uihealthcare.com.
