Study on the Effectiveness and Differential Usability of the UP in Spanish University Students

Study on the Efficacy and Differential Usability of the Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Spanish University Students

The present study seeks to compare and analyze the degree of usefulness, acceptability and implementation of the Unified Protocol (UP) in its application in two cost-effective formats, the online group and the blended online group for the treatment of emotional disorders in university students in Spain.

Introduction: Emotional Disorders (EDs) are the most common disorders among the young population. Despite their high prevalence in university students, data suggest that only 16.4% of students suffering from a mental health disorder receive treatment. Therefore, the present study seeks to compare and analyze the degree of usefulness, acceptability and implementation of the Unified Protocol (UP) in its application in two cost-effective formats, the online group and the Blended online group.

Method: The study population will be university students who meet diagnostic criteria for EDs. We estimate a sample of 70 students, 35 per condition. The intervention will consist of the application of the 8 modules of the UP in two formats: online group format of 8 weekly sessions of 2 hours duration and Blended format (4 online group sessions, of two hours duration in modules 1,4,6 and 7 of the UP + autonomous work through the UP-APP). The variables evaluated will be collected before the intervention, in the post-treatment and in the follow-ups at one month and 3 months.

This study responds to the need to implement services that improve the availability and access to the treatment of EDs in the university context in Spain, and in this particular case, through the formats offered by a transdiagnostic intervention such as the UP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be enrolled at the University of Cordoba (Spain), in any of the degrees
• Have a diagnosis of anxiety or mood disorder from the Structured Interview for Anxiety and Related Disorders, according to the DSM-5 (ADIS-5)*
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be fluent in the Spanish language
• Have a technological device (Computer, Tablet, cell phone) with internet connection
• Have a smartphone device with Android operating system
• In the case of taking pharmacological treatment for the treatment of their ED, maintenance of the same doses and medications for at least 3 months before starting their participation in the study and throughout the treatment
• Signature of the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Have a severe condition that requires priority for treatment will not be able to participate in the study. This includes a serious mental disorder (personality disorder, schizophrenia, or an organic mental disorder), suicide risk at the time of assessment, or substance abuse within the past three months.