The Efficacy of Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Compared to a Waitlist Control for Emotional Disorders in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials | Synapse
March 8, 2026
The Efficacy of Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Compared to a Waitlist Control for Emotional Disorders in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Key Points
To evaluate the effectiveness of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for emotional disorders in adolescents compared to a waitlist control.
Conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Focused on adolescents with emotional disorders
Compared outcomes of transdiagnostic CBT with a waitlist control group
Transdiagnostic CBT significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
Improved overall functioning in adolescents receiving therapy
Demonstrated effectiveness across multiple studies included in the meta-analysis
Abstract
Transdiagnostic CBT appears to be an effective intervention for managing emotional disorders in adolescents, offering benefits across anxiety, depression, and functioning.