Efficacy of internet-delivered universal and tailored transdiagnostic interventions for anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Internet-delivered transdiagnostic psychological interventions are promising approaches for the treatment of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to review and synthesize evidence related to the effectiveness of Internet-based transdiagnostic interventions for reducing anxiety and depression, and to compare the effects of universal versus tailored interventions.

Methods: A Systematic review search was conducted on the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsychINFO, Medline, and CINAHL databases as of 28 March 2024. Two researchers made their choices based on consensus. This study performed a random-effects meta-analysis comparing patients receiving Internet-based transdiagnostic therapy with a control group, and examined the effects on depression, anxiety, and quality of life. This meta-analysis compared the effect of Internet-delivered universal and tailored transdiagnostic on anxiety and depression.

Results: 42 trials were identified with a total of 4982 participants. Compared with the control group, the Internet-delivered transdiagnostic intervention reduced anxiety and depression symptoms (g = -0.617, 95 % CI: -0.699 to -0.535), anxiety (g = -0.580, 95 % CI: -0.690 to -0.470), depression (g = -0.650, 95 % CI: -0.770 to -0.530). The Internet-delivered universal transdiagnostic treatment was more effective than tailored transdiagnostic in improving anxiety and depression. Internet-delivered transdiagnostic interventions also had a positive impact on quality of life (g = 0.310; 95 % CI: 0.130 to 0.490).

Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates that Internet-based transdiagnostic interventions are effective for treating anxiety and depression, and can also improve quality of life. The universal Internet-delivered transdiagnostic intervention is better than the tailored intervention. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms of change and develop outcome measures for these interventions.