Group Unified Protocol therapy at a university outpatient clinic
Transdiagnostic Group Treatment of Emotional Disorders: A Cross-sectional and Naturalistic Study of Outcome, Change Processes, and Clinical Training
This project will try group-based Unified Protocol therapy for adults 18–40 with anxiety or unipolar depression to see if it reduces symptoms and improves emotion regulation and well‑being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bergen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bergen, Vestland) |
| Trial ID | NCT07129941 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study will deliver the Unified Protocol (UP) in a group format to 140 patients at a university outpatient clinic, with groups led by either experienced or novice therapists and a non-clinical control group of 45 participants for comparison. Outcomes include self-report measures of symptoms, well‑being, emotion regulation, and treatment nonspecific factors such as credibility and therapeutic alliance. Psychophysiological measures (heart rate variability and interoception) and qualitative interviews will be collected to explore processes of change and participants' experiences. The trial is conducted at the Department of Clinical Psychology in Bergen, Norway, using self-referred participants recruited via advertisements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 who meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder and/or unipolar depression and who are motivated for short-term group treatment are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with active suicidality or self-harm, severe psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder, psychosis), substance use disorders, use of benzodiazepines, unstable antidepressant dosing, or those in other psychological treatment are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a scalable group therapy option that helps people with anxiety and depression by targeting shared emotional processes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous randomized trials and meta-analyses report that the Unified Protocol performs as well as disorder-specific CBT and better than usual care across settings, although evidence from Norway is limited to a small feasibility study.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-40 * Fulfilling diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder and/or unipolar depression (ICD F.3x - 4x) * Motivated for short-term treatment in group format Exclusion Criteria: * Suicidality * Self-harm * Severe psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder, psychosis) * Substance use disorders * Use of anxiolytic medication (i.e., benzodiazepines) * Unstable antidepressant medication (i.e., stable dosage \<6 months) * Other ongoing psychological treatment
Where this trial is running
Bergen, Vestland
- Department of Clinical Psychology — Bergen, Vestland, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jon Vøllestad, Ph.D. — University of Bergen
- Study coordinator: Jon Vøllestad, Ph.D.
- Email: jon.vollestad@uib.no
- Phone: 0047 95 21 32 86
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.