How to Treat Compulsive Facets of Behavioural Addictions

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Treatment approaches to disorders of behavioural addiction are beginning to emerge. In this paper we provide a narrative review of the growing range of treatment approaches for the less well understood compulsive facets, including compulsions and the associated latent phenotypes, such as cognitive domains characterised by inflexible thinking or a preference for habitual responding. We aim to offer new insights and heuristics for treating compulsive forms of behavioural addiction, such as cyberchondria, compulsive hoarding, compulsive forms of gaming disorder, trichotillomania and skin picking (excoriation) disorder. Recent Findings: Emerging evidence of treatment approaches showing promise include novel forms of pharmacotherapy (extending beyond drugs acting on the serotonin system), psychotherapy (extending beyond conventional cognitive-behaviour therapy) and non-invasive neuromodulation. Summary: A broad approach to designing novel treatment strategies that includes careful characterisation of the phenotypic and latent cognitive profiles based on a growing understanding of the neurobiology of compulsivity is recommended.