Work

Efficacy of an internet-based version of the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in adolescents (iUP-A): A randomized active-controlled trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background Emotional disorders are highly prevalent among adolescents and often co-occur, underscoring the need for transdiagnostic interventions. Internet-delivered interventions offer a promising avenue to increase access to evidence-based care for youth. Objective This study examined the effectiveness of the self-administered internet-delivered version of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (iUP-A), applied by means of the platform Learn to Manage your Emotions (AMtE; Aprende a Manejar tus Emociones ). Method Adolescents with comorbid anxiety and/or depressive disorders (age range = 13–18 years; 80.3% girls) were randomly allocated to receive the iUP-A ( n = 30) or the active control condition (ACC) ( n = 31), and were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Outcome measures included self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as parent- and clinician-rated assessments. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze changes over time, and Hedges' g effects sizes to assess the magnitude of change. Results Participants in the iUP-A condition showed significant improvements from pre- to post-treatment across all self-reported and clinician-rated measures, whereas no such improvements were observed in the control condition. Substantial gains were observed across all outcomes, with large effect sizes maintained or enhanced throughout the follow-up period. Improvements were evident across multiple domains, including internalizing symptoms, anxiety and depressive disorder-symptoms, and overall functioning. Conclusions The iUP-A appears to be an effective and feasible digital intervention for adolescents with emotional disorders. Findings support its potential for broad implementation in clinical and community settings.

Source: Internet Interventions

DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2026.100948