Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders

Abstract

The Unified Protocol (UP) for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders: Therapist Guide is a treatment programv applicable to all anxiety and unipolar depressive disorders and potentially other disorders with strong emotional components (e.g., eating disorders, borderline personality disorder). The UP for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders addresses neuroticism by targeting the aversive, avoidant reactions to emotions that, while providing relief in the short term, increase the likelihood of future negative emotions and maintains disorder symptoms. The strategies included in this treatment are largely based on common principles found in existing empirically supported psychological treatments—namely, fostering mindful emotion awareness, reevaluating automatic cognitive appraisals, changing action tendencies associated with the disordered emotions, and utilizing emotion exposure procedures. The focus of these core skills has been adjusted to specifically address core negative responses to emotional experiences.

Effectiveness of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment in Reducing Depression Associated with Marital Problems

“…In this part of the treatment, the therapist helps the authorities identify emotional patterns and emotional-driven behaviors. After the cognitive authority has more to do with the effects of these behaviors on continuing discomfort, measures are taken to change the current patterns of emotional responses (3). The most recent psychopathological theories emphasize the role of emotions in developing, maintaining and continuing the symptoms of emotional disorders and many other mental disorders (24).…”

“…Different studies have shown that marital conflicts and communication problems can play a key role in the incidence and exacerbation of depression symptoms (1,2). Depression is an emotional disorder, and emotional regulation is an important mechanism contributing to the formation of emotional disturbances (3). Emotional regulation also affects interpersonal relationships, especially marital relationships (4).…”

“…This protocol was introduced in response to the limitations of specific cognitive-behavioral therapies for disorders, in which the principles and treatment protocols were identical for different emotional disorders (3). This protocol, which is designed for people with emotional disorders, especially mood and anxiety disorders (12), is focused on emotions and not dedicated to a special disorder and encompasses common factors, including negative emotions (13).…”

The Effectiveness of Sociodrama to Improve Students’ Anger Management Skills

“…The phenomena mentioned above are strengthened by the statement of Barlow et al, (2017) that individuals who are unable to control emotions are easily frustrated, anxious and resolve problems in emotional ways. Adolescence have not been able to control emotions more precisely and express emotions in ways that are accepted by society (Santrock, 2014).…”

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) in the treatment of perfectionism: A case study

“…It may also be more effective when these processes represent the most central maintaining variables for some or all the presenting comorbid conditions. Though several transdiagnostic interventions are available (e.g., Barlow et al, 2017;Hayes et al, 2012;Norton & Philipp, 2008) we present the Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT; Lynch, 2018) approach in this manuscript because it is not yet well-known, it involves new theoretical perspectives and treatment procedures, and because it concentrates on mechanisms of change not previously emphasized.…”