Anxiety, Depression, and Somatic Distress: Developing a Transdiagnostic Internalizing Toolbox for Pediatric Practice

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints frequently co-occur in children and adolescents, forming a significant
• internalizing cluster.

Purpose of the Study:

• Present the rationale for targeting the internalizing cluster.
• Explore transdiagnostic theoretical processes uniting these problems.
• Describe core treatment techniques and clinical outcomes for this group.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical theory on transdiagnostic processes.
• Description of core treatment techniques.
• Case study analysis of clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• The internalizing cluster is prevalent and impairing into adulthood.
• Shared etiological factors suggest transdiagnostic interventions are viable.
• Sample cases demonstrate positive clinical outcomes with the transdiagnostic approach.

Conclusions:

• A transdiagnostic framework is effective for treating comorbid internalizing problems in youth.
• This approach has implications for developing new treatments and informing clinical practice.
• Addressing the internalizing cluster can reduce long-term impairment and healthcare burden.