Preliminary examination of follow-up effects of transdiagnostic intervention for children and adolescents

Abstract

This study was a preliminary examination of follow-up effects and an exploration of potential predictors of treatment outcomes associated with an open trial of a transdiagnostic intervention for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Eight children or adolescents with anxiety or depressive disorders participated in the Avoidance Behavior-focused Transdiagnostic Intervention Program (ATP). Follow-up effects at 3 and 6 months were assessed using a multi-source (clinician, youth, parent) and multi-domain (diagnoses, symptoms, general difficulties) approach. The clinician-rated clinical severity rating of principle diagnosis and number of diagnoses were lower at both follow-up time points compared to pre-intervention. In addition, separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, and chronic school refusal might predict poorer ATP treatment outcomes. Limitations and emerging issues in ATP were discussed.