A pathological or a compulsive gambler?

Development of the behavior completion model of compulsive behaviors and the imaginal desensitization therapy based on it is outlined. A case history is reported of a 65 year old woman who considered she was gambling out of control on slot machines and suffered from resultant guilt and depression. Following a week's treatment with imaginal desensitization she regained control. After an episode of heavy gambling following an unexpected inheritance she ceased slot-machine gambling entirely without further treatment. Her interest in her past activities increased and she developed additional ones. Her condition did not meet criteria for DSM-III-R diagnosis, yet she suffered from compulsive gambling which responded to treatment. Her response of controlled gambling appeared an acceptable outcome but proved unstable in her case. She was then able to cease gambling without therapy additional to the single mode employed.