Unified Protocol for Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Obesity is currently becoming a serious global public health problem due to the high prevalence and the large increase in recent years. This condition is associated with different health problems, including physical and mental diseases. The presence of anxiety or depression disorders among candidates for bariatric surgery it is very high and predicts worse results. The present study aims to explore the feasibility and clinical usefulness of an online group format application of the Unified Protocol, a transdiagnostic emotion-based intervention for patients waiting for bariatric surgery with at least one emotional disorder diagnosis or emotional symptoms. We will conduct a pilot study with a repeated single case experimental design (multiple baseline design) in a public mental health service. The sample will consist of 45 participants who will be randomized to three baseline conditions: 8, 12 or 15 evaluation days before the intervention. Depression and anxiety symptoms and diagnostic criteria will be the primary outcome measures. Secondary measures will include evaluation of affectivity, personality traits, general fit, quality of life, and different body image and eating outcomes. An analysis of treatment satisfaction will be also performed. Assessment points include baseline, pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-ups every three months until two years after post-treatment.