Effect of Transdiagnostic Psychological Intervention Programs on Depression and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

By considering the etiological similarities of depression and anxiety disorders with high lifetime coexistence rates, recent research has introduced a transdiagnostic approach applicable to a range of emotional disorders with these common features. This paper reviews empirical studies examining the effects of transdiagnostic intervention programs on depression and anxiety disorders. The literature search identified 18 randomized controlled and 12 non-randomized studies. These were examined in terms of their sample characteristics, methodological approaches, and findings. Overall, the reviewed transdiagnostic psychological intervention programs treat various anxiety disorders and depression effectively. In cases where anxiety and depressive symptoms are comorbid, the transdiagnostic approach has significant advantages over diagnosis-specific protocols. Future studies should investigate the effect of the transdiagnostic approach in different diagnostic groups compared to diagnosis-specific treatments. In Turkey specifically, it is important to investigate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic interventions and potential clinical and economic advantages compared to diagnostic specific protocols.

Keywords

• cognitive behavioral therapy
• unified protocol
• emotional disorders
• depression
• anxiety disorders
• transdiagnostic