The masterclasses will provide details on pros and cons of diagnostic nosography currently available in psychosomatic medicine. Proposals on complementary tools which can be used to reach a comprehensive assessment of patients under the principles of the bio-psycho-social model will be formulated. Participants will be involved in the activities via the presentation of clinical cases to be discussed in the group.  

Introduction
Around 30% of people with long-term physical health conditions (LTCs) experience comorbid anxiety and depression.  For many, comorbid anxiety and depression (or distress) is linked in part to difficulties adjusting to the challenges of the LTC. Based on the existing empirical literature,  Professor Moss Morris and colleagues have developed a transdiagnostic model of adjustment to LTCs (TMA-LTC)^1.  The model proposes that acute critical events or ongoing illness stressors can disrupt emotional equilibrium. Whether a person returns to equilibrium and achieves good psychological adjustment depends on a range of individual level cognitive and behavioural factors, as well as interpersonal, intrapersonal, environmental, and illness-specific contexts. This empirically and clinically informed model provides clinicians with a useful guide for assessment, formulation, and treatment in the context of psychological adjustment to LTCs.

Content
The first half of the workshop will introduce the transdiagnostic theoretical model of adjustment to LTCs (TMA-LTC). The therapeutic approach developed based on this model will be presented, including a digital version of the therapy called COMPASS: Navigating your LTC, alongside the evidence-base for this therapy to date².  The second interactive half of the workshop will discuss how to include LTC challenges in the assessment process and the application of the TMA-LTC  to some case studies.  The distinguishing features of treating LTC-related distress compared to treating primary anxiety and/or depression will be highlighted. 

Key References

1. Carroll S, Moon Z, Hudson J, Hulme K, & Moss-Morris R. (2022) An Evidence-Based Theory of Psychological Adjustment to Long-Term Physical Health Conditions: Applications in Clinical Practice. Psychosom Med. 1;84(5):547-559.
2. Hudson, J.L. & Moss-Morris, R. (2019) Treating Illness Distress in Chronic Illness. European Psychologist 24(1), 26-37 https://doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000352

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