Case conceptualization from a process-based and modular perspective: Rationale and application to mood and anxiety...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Traditional diagnostic categories in psychotherapy may not fully capture underlying mechanisms.
• A transdiagnostic approach focuses on common psychological processes across disorders.
• Identifying and targeting these processes can lead to more effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a theoretical, clinical, and practical framework for a process-based transdiagnostic psychotherapy.
• To define psychological processes and categorize those involved in psychopathology.
• To propose guidelines for selecting interventions based on identified processes and to organize treatment modularly.

Main Methods:

• Developed a working definition and tri-dimensional categorization of psychological processes.
• Proposed guidelines for selecting interventions targeting specific psychopathological processes.
• Reviewed key processes in mood and anxiety disorders accessible to clinicians.
• Developed validated assessment questionnaires for each process.
• Created a free, web-based instrument for client assessments and therapist interpretation.

Main Results:

• A structured approach to psychotherapy based on active psychological processes.
• Validated assessment tools for key processes in mood and anxiety disorders.
• An accessible online platform for therapists and clients to facilitate process-based treatment.

Conclusions:

• A process-based transdiagnostic approach offers a flexible and targeted framework for psychotherapy.
• The proposed methods and tools support the practical application of this approach in clinical settings.
• This framework can enhance treatment efficacy for mood and anxiety disorders by addressing core psychological mechanisms.