A preliminary investigation of the long-term outcome of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct a preliminary examination of long-term outcomes on a broad range of affective disorder symptoms treated with a newly developed intervention: The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP).

Method: Maintenance of treatment gains at long-term follow-up (LTFU) were explored in patients (N=15, mean age=32.27; 60% female) who completed a clinical trial of the UP.

Results: Treatment gains observed at 6-month follow-up (6MFU) on measures of clinical severity, general symptoms of depression and anxiety, and a measure of symptom interference in daily functioning were largely maintained 12months later (at an average of 18months posttreatment), and any significant changes from 6MFU to LTFU reflected small increases in symptoms that remained, on average, in the subclinical range.

Conclusions: These findings provide the first initial support for the durability of broad treatment gains following transdiagnostic treatment.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Participant flow from initial intake to enrollment in the Unified Protocol RCT and participation in 24-month routine clinical follow-up assessment. Note: RCT = randomized controlled trial; CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy; UP = Unified Protocol.