Transdiagnostic Processes
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Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Client version
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Editable version (PPT)
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Rather than thinking of mental health diagnoses as separate ‘disease entities’ there is increasing awareness that common ‘processes’ or ‘mechanisms’, which underpin or act to maintain client problems, operate across disorders (Harvey et al, 2004). A ‘transdiagnostic process’ is the label given to a mechanism which is present across disorders, and which is either a risk factor or a maintaining factor for the disorder. Transdiagnostic processes are found in the domains of attention, memory/imagery, thinking, reasoning, and behavior. They can helpfully be thought of as the ‘building blocks’ which underpin disorders. Examples of transdiagnostic processes include: the experience of ‘intrusive memories’ which are common to diverse conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders (Brewin et al, 2010); or ‘repetitive negative thinking’ which is a feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in the form of worry and depression in the form of ruminative thinking.
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Therapist Guidance
This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
- Client handout – use as a psychoeducation resource
- Discussion point – use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
- Therapist learning tool – improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
- Teaching resource – use as a learning tool during training
References And Further Reading
- Brewin, C. R., Gregory, J. D., Lipton, M., & Burgess, N. (2010). Intrusive images in psychological disorders: characteristics, neural mechanisms, and treatment implications. Psychological review, 117(1), 210.
- Harvey, A. G., Watkins, E., & Mansell, W., Shafran, R. (2004). Cognitive behavioural processes across psychological disorders: A transdiagnostic approach to research and treatment. Oxford University Press, USA.
- Hayes, S. C., & Hofmann, S. G. (Eds.). (2018). Process-based CBT: the science and core clinical competencies of cognitive behavioral therapy. New Harbinger Publications.