ACTIVATE: Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a smartphone-based app to reduce harmful gambling and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Veterans

The ACTIVATE study aims to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a smartphone-based acceptance and commitment (ACT) intervention for co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder and gambling disorder in veterans, utilising a pilot randomised control trial (RCT) design.

• Is the app-based ACT treatment intervention developed by the research team considered acceptable and appropriate following review by veterans with lived experience of post-traumatic stress disorder and gambling disorder?
• Is the individualised ACT intervention effective at reducing the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder and gambling disorder symptoms, and emotional distress, and do treatment effects persist across time?
• Is the intervention useful and cost-effective in terms of reduced healthcare utilisation costs and improved quality of life?

This study will recruit Armed Forces veterans with lived experience of post-traumatic stress disorder and gambling disorder.