Exploring the utility of transdiagnostic ICBT for symptoms of adjustment disorder: A longitudinal observational study

Why was the study done?

Adjustment disorder (AD) is characterized by difficulty dealing with stressors and the development of emotional or behavioural symptoms in response to stress, including preoccupation with stress, failure to adapt to changes, and significant functional impairment. The study was conducted to explore the utility of transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) course for individuals with high symptoms of adjustment-related distress.

What was done in the study?

The study analyzed data from 585 participants in Saskatchewan who completed the Wellbeing Course between June 2022 to June 2023. Participants were assessed for AD symptoms before, during, and after treatment. The study also evaluated treatment engagement, satisfaction, and adverse effects.

What did we find out?

The study found that transdiagnostic ICBT significantly reduced AD symptoms from pre-treatment to post-treatment and to follow-up. Approximately 70% of participants with high AD symptoms scored below the clinical cut-off at post-treatment, increasing to 75% at follow-up. Treatment engagement and satisfaction were high. The study also highlighted the prevalence of life stressors, with family conflicts, death of a loved one, and financial problems being the most common triggers of AD symptoms.

Where do we go from here?

The results of the study suggest that transdiagnostic ICBT is a useful and acceptable treatment for individuals with high AD symptoms, comparable to disorder-specific interventions. The high number of self-reported AD symptoms in this study highlights the need for early identification and scalable treatment options in routine care.