A preliminary examination of unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in patients with panic disorder: a single-case experimental design in Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives The majority of patients suffering from anxiety disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive evidence-based treatments. The Unified Protocol (UP) for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders is an evidence-based cognitive–behavioral intervention designed to treat the range of emotional disorders. Design and Methods Using a single-case experimental design five patients with panic disorder were assigned to a 3-week baselines assessment phase followed by eight sessions of UP treatment and 4-week follow-up phases. Multiple outcome measures of panic severity, anxiety sensitivity, affectivity, and overall anxiety severity and impairment were administered weekly during the baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases. Results At post treatment, all participants showed significant reductions in outcome measures, with changes functionally related to treatment and most improvements maintained at 4-week follow-up. Conclusion Findings provide preliminary cross-cultural support for UP and add to the growing body of literature showing UP can be useful for patients with anxiety disorders in low- and middle-income countries with non-Western cultures.