Discussion
depression, anxiety disorders
DISORDERS
The first aim of the present research is to evaluate the efficacy of the group and online application of the UP in the Argentine population. So far, this is the first randomized controlled trial that assesses the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral transdiagnostic intervention (in this case, the Unified Protocol) compared to a waiting list condition in a group setting and through teletherapy in our country. These studies are relevant in the Argentine context because cognitive-behavioral interventions are usually developed in high-income countries involving other cultural contexts and little is known about the necessary adaptations for such interventions to be effective in Latin American and middle- or low-income countries.Moreover, being a transdiagnostic and group-based intervention, it allows treating diverse patient populations (anxiety disorders, depression, and related disorders) simultaneously. This saves resources and its implementation in the public health system is particularly relevant in our population given that access to evidence-based therapies is scarce.On the other hand, it is expected that remote treatments via teletherapy will increase the accessibility of treatments. This is important in our population, as access to evidence-based treatments and therapists trained in these treatments is often difficult in rural contexts or places far from large urban centers.Therefore, it is expected that the study of this protocol and its subsequent implementation in health care services will have several advantages. In addition to being a group application (more patients receiving treatment in less time), there are the added benefits of virtuality: people who live far away or who do not have access to nearby care facilities can attend these sessions.Another objective of this trial is to evaluate patients’ experiences of the intervention, which will allow us to decide what adaptations are necessary when applying an intervention of these characteristics in our population. It is hoped that adapting the treatment to patients’ preferences will improve adherence and reduce dropout rates.Finally, this study has some limitations. On the one hand, the fact that participants were recruited via social media can be considered a bias. Having a sample of subjects who interact with our social networks or know someone who does decreases the generalizability of the results. At the same time, although the objective of the inclusion of digital technologies in mental health is to increase access to treatment, participation in the study requires a device with Internet access, which may mean that vulnerable populations without access to digital technologies or the Internet are also excluded from access to these treatments.