Treating Depression and Anxiety Disorders Simultaneously in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases Utilizing the Unified Protocol

Abstract

Abstract This chapter elaborates on the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders simultaneously in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) using the Unified Protocol (UP). Persons with CVDs alongside depression or anxiety have a heightened risk for death and disability, poor quality of life, and significantly higher costs for medical care. The UP provides a coherent conceptual and pragmatic approach to treating emotional disorders that are highly prevalent in CVD populations. Anxiety disorders remain largely neglected by randomized control trials due to procedural challenges in applying traditional cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) exposure therapies to CVD patients. Thus, the UP delivers immense benefits and a novel approach to patients with CVDs and comorbid emotional disorders.