Transdiagnostic group cognitive behavioural therapy for emotional disorders in primary care: the results of the PsicAP randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Emotional disorders are highly prevalent in primary care. We aimed to determine whether a transdiagnostic psychological therapy plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) is more efficacious than TAU alone in primary care adult patients. METHODS: = 534) consisted of regular consultations with a general practitioner. Primary outcome measures were self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatizations. Secondary outcome measures were functioning and quality of life. Patients were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Adding a brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention to TAU may significantly improve outcomes in emotional disorders treated in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: isrctn.org identifier: ISRCTN58437086.