Transdiagnostic approaches to the prevention and treatment of mental illness in childhood

Abstract

High symptom variability, cross-diagnostic overlaps, and shared risk factors have challenged the concept of categorical psychiatric diagnoses, driving the shift toward transdiagnostic approaches. We explore transdiagnostic approaches as compelling strategies for implementing and scaling up evidence-based psychological interventions by targeting the common psychological processes associated with multiple mental health conditions, instead of implementing treatments for each diagnosis. This simplifies the tasks and facilitates scalability of interventions in diverse populations and care settings, as argued in this overview.