Citation

Zemestani M, Davoudi F, Farhadi A, Gallagher MW. Anxiety Stress Coping 2022; 35(6): 701-718.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10615806.2021.1990269

PMID

34632890

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.

Language: en

Keywords

anxiety disorders; panic disorder; single case; transdiagnostic treatment; Unified protocol