Evaluating Ultra-Brief and Brief Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Emotional Symptoms Compared to Relaxation Treatment

What This Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of different brief psychological treatments for people experiencing mild to moderate emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and somatization. This randomized clinical trial compares ultra-brief four sessions and brief eight sessions formats of transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy TD-CBT delivered either in group or individual settings. The study also includes an active comparator group receiving relaxation therapy. The goal is to understand which treatment format works best and the emotional regulation processes involved in improvement. Participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups ultra-brief group TD-CBT, brief group TD-CBT, individual ultra-brief TD-CBT, or group relaxation therapy. The TD-CBT sessions focus on psychoeducation, emotion regulation, behavioral activation, problem-solving, and exposure techniques, with between-session exercises to support skill practice. Group sessions are typically 90 minutes, while individual sessions last about 60 minutes. The relaxation group participates in a four-session muscle relaxation program based on Jacobsons technique. During the study, participants complete several questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, emotional regulation, therapeutic alliance, and treatment satisfaction. Assessments occur at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Researchers also collect sociodemographic information and healthcare use data. The study monitors progress through validated scales like the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PHQ-15 to evaluate changes in emotional symptoms over time.

Ultra-brief Psychological Treatments for Emotional Symptoms and Disorders