Effects of a Transdiagnostic Group Treatment for Anxiety on Secondary Depression

Authors

Peter J. Norton, University of HoustonFollow
Sarah A. Hayes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Debra A. Hope, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Debra A. Hope

Date of this Version

2004

Citation

Depression and Anxiety 20:4 (2004), pp. 198–202.

doi: 10.1002/da.20045

Comments

Copyright © 2005 Wiley-Liss. Used by permission.

Abstract

Researchers have recently explored transdiagnostic anxiety treatments based on models of anxiety emphasizing a single common pathway across diagnostic categories. Results from a previous study (Norton and Hope, in press) indicated that a transdiagnostic approach was effective for both targeted and untargeted anxiety disorders. Consistent with the tripartite model, the transdiagnostic treatment should also influence symptoms of a broader pathology such as negative affectivity. This follow-up to Norton and Hope found significant decreases in depressed mood for clients undergoing transdiagnostic treatment for anxiety when compared to wait-list control participants. Although not statistically established, severity of depressive diagnoses seemed to generally decrease across treatment, whereas no change in severity occurred for those not receiving treatment.