Unified Protocol for Emotional Disorders - A Pilot Feasability Trial

Residents of alcohol and drug (AOD) rehabilitation programs commonly present with complex comorbid presentations, including substance use disorders and a range of anxiety and affective disorders. The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic treatment for emotional disorders, with growing empirical evidence for effective outcomes. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of UP treatment of an adult group in an Australian rural AOD rehabilitation setting. A mixed methods, single-case experimental design was used, and treatment began in October 2018. Baseline, treatment and follow-up data was collected, and eight participants completed the treatment. Quantitative results supported a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms during the treatment, but this was not sustained at follow-up. Improvements in quality of life and emotional regulation were not supported. Low UP acceptability was informed by qualitative feedback from participants and case managers post treatment. Feasibility of UP group treatment in an AOD setting was considered, with recommendations made for future studies.