Understanding and modifying transdiagnostic cognitive factors underlying anxiety and depression risk in girls

Anxiety and depression occur in 20% of school-aged children and are the leading cause of disability in Australian girls. Yet, only 40% of youth with these disorders respond to frontline treatments. There is a critical need for novel treatments that are informed by a better understanding of the risk mechanisms underlying youth anxiety and depression. This project is fundamental to both goals. The aims are to: (1) investigate the cognitive factors underlying anxiety and depression risk in adolescent girls; and (2) evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the first transdiagnostic cognitive bias modification intervention targeting anxiety and depression in preadolescents.