Effectiveness and Acceptability of the Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in People With Long COVID-19.

Launched by INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIÓN SANITARIA ARAGÓN · Apr 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program called the Unified Protocol (UP) to see how effective it is for treating emotional disorders like anxiety and depression in adults who have long COVID-19. Long COVID refers to ongoing symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection. The study will involve 90 adults, half of whom will participate in the UP program online, while the other half will not receive this treatment. Researchers will look at how well the program helps with emotional issues and whether these improvements last for a year. They will also measure stress levels by looking at cortisol, a stress hormone, in participants' hair before and after the program.

To join the study, participants must be at least 18 years old, live in the Aragon region of Spain, and be able to speak Spanish. They should have a confirmed diagnosis of long COVID and show signs of emotional disorders like depression or anxiety. Participants must have internet access and agree to the study rules. However, people with serious mental health disorders, those currently receiving treatment for emotional issues, or those with active thoughts of self-harm cannot participate. This study aims to help improve the mental health of those struggling with the emotional impacts of long COVID.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Residing in Autonomous Community of Aragon (Spain).
• • Being at least 18 years old.
• • Understanding of Spanish.
• • Being diagnosed with long COVID-19: documented SARS-CoV-2 infection and persistence of symptoms beyond 12 weeks after the acute infection.
• • Symptoms of depression (ODSIS≥7) and/or anxiety (OASIS≥8).
• • Meeting the criteria for an emotional disorder diagnosis.
• • Having access to Internet.
• • Signing the informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pre-existing emotional symptoms prior to the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• • Actually receiving psychological treatment.
• • Having a diagnosis of severe mental disorder (e.g., personality disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.).
• • Active suicidal ideation at the time of the assessment.
• • Individuals on psychotropic medication must maintain their dosage throughout the study, unless medically contraindicated.