Exploring the Effectiveness of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders With Latinxs: A Record-Review Study at a Culturally Specific Clinic for Latinxs

Abstract

The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy that targets the core affective processes underlying anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders. Given the high rates of anxiety and depression and comorbidity among Latinxs, transdiagnostic treatments are a potentially effective intervention for this group. This record review study examined treatment outcomes for 20 Spanish-speaking Latinxs with an anxiety disorder receiving the UP at a community clinic. Six participants dropped out of treatment (30%) and 14 (70%) completed and responded to treatment. An intent-to treat analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement between pre- and posttreatment scores on the PHQ-9 (95% CI, 5.26, 11.04, t [19] = 5.894, p < .001) and the GAD-7 (95% CI, 4.49, 9.11, t [19] = 6.17, p < .001). We also included an in-depth case study, illustrating how the UP can be used with Spanish-speaking Latinxs. Our results provide preliminary support for the UP for use with a subset of Latinx adults with anxiety (with or without comorbid depression).