To address the need for a quick, evidence-based screen for gambling disorders, researchers from the Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School analyzed the largest national survey including questions about gambling behaviors searching for the most popular responses by people with gambling problems.1
Based on this data, the researchers developed the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS), a three-question brief screening instrument that helps a person decide whether to seek a more formal evaluation or treatment of their gambling behavior. Clinicians can also use this with their clients to determine if a more comprehensive screen is necessary. More information about screening day at divisiononaddiction.org.
The Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS) is also available in magnet form! To request copies, contact Noelle Mancini (nmancini@icrg.org) or 978-338-6610. Please feel free to use and share this screen to your colleagues!
Reference 1. Gebauer, L., LaBrie, R., & Shaffer, H. J. (2010). Optimizing DSM-IV-TR classification accuracy: a brief biosocial screen for detecting current gambling disorders among gamblers in the general household population. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie,(2), 82-90
