Unified Protocol in a Group Format for Improving Specific Symptoms of Emotional Disorders in the Spanish Public Health System

  1. Jorge Osma 1
  2. María Vicenta Navarro Haro 1
  3. Óscar Peris Baquero 1
  4. Carlos Suso Ribera 2
  1. 1 Universidad de Zaragoza
    info

    Universidad de Zaragoza

    Zaragoza, España

    ROR https://ror.org/012a91z28

  2. 2 Universidad Jaume I, Castellón
Journal:
Psicothema

ISSN: 0214-9915,  1886-144X

Year of publication: 2022

Volume: 34

Issue: 1

Pages: 25-34

Type: Article

DOI: 10.7334/PSICOTHEMA2021.246 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Psicothema

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Abstract

Background: The Unified Protocol (UP) for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders (EDs) has demonstrated its efficacy in improving dimensions shared by EDs, but there is insufficient evidence regarding the specific symptoms of each ED. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the UP applied in a group format compared with individual Treatment as Usual (TAU), in improving specific ED symptoms. Methods: The study sample (n=243) was a subset of participants of a randomized controlled trial conducted in the Spanish public health system. Specific symptoms assessed from pre-treatment to the six-month follow-up were: depressive, agoraphobic, generalized anxiety, panic, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Personality dimensions and quality of life were also measured. Results: There were statistically significant changes after the UP in all the study variables (0.44 = d = 1.35). Changes in depressive symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and perceived quality of life were superior in the UP. Conclusions: The results support the efficacy of group UP for improving both transdiagnostic dimensions and specific ED symptoms, as well as quality of life, through the public health-care system.

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