The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Unified Protocol (UP) for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in adults diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD frequently co-occurs with depression and anxiety and is characterized by heightened emotional reactivity, avoidance, and difficulties with emotion regulation. Transdiagnostic approaches such as the UP target these shared underlying processes and may offer a flexible and more accessible alternative to disorder-specific, trauma-focused treatments. A systematic search of peer-reviewed studies was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, and single-case designs examining the use of UP among adults with PTSD. Across the included studies, participants who received UP demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity, as well as improvements in co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety. Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up, suggesting durable effects. Findings also indicate that UP may reduce comorbid diagnoses and improve functioning by addressing emotion-driven behaviors and avoidance patterns common across disorders. Although the number of available studies was limited and sample sizes were small, results support UP as a promising transdiagnostic intervention for adults with PTSD, particularly for individuals with complex comorbidity or those who may be reluctant to engage in trauma-focused therapies.Impact StatementPost traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains highly prevalent and debilitating, often complicated by comorbid conditions. This study examined the use of the Unified Protocol as a transdiagnostic treatment to address PTSD symptoms. The findings contribute to growing evidence supporting transdiagnostic interventions and highlight the UP to enhance treatment accessibility and efficacy.
Rolerson et al. (Tue,) studied this question.