Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Originally developed to help treat major depressive disorder, IPT is based on the idea that depressive symptoms can be treated through helping a patient improve interpersonal functioning.¹ It does this through addressing problems such as interpersonal disputes, relationship dysfunction, transitions, and grief.¹ Sessions are usually for a limited period.² IPT has been used for depressive symptoms related to pregnancy and birth, as well as for patients experiencing negative mental health symptoms as a result of childhood abuse.^3,4

Description:	Originally developed to help treat major depressive disorder, IPT is based on the idea that depressive symptoms can be treated through helping a patient improve interpersonal functioning.¹ It does this through addressing problems such as interpersonal disputes, relationship dysfunction, transitions, and grief.¹ Sessions are usually for a limited period.² IPT has been used for depressive symptoms related to pregnancy and birth, as well as for patients experiencing negative mental health symptoms as a result of childhood abuse.^3,4
Potentially effective for the following mental health concerns:	Bipolar disorder
Potentially effective in the following age groups:	Adolescent, Adult, Pediatric, Geriatric
Treatment setting options:	Individual, Group
Treatment format options:	In-person, Telephone
Typical treatment duration:	< 10 sessions, 10-20 sessions
Potential limitations:	A poor treatment response may be seen in cases with more severe or chronic depressive symptoms, comorbid mental illness, a weak therapist-patient bond, or a misunderstanding of the causes of depressive symptoms.⁷

Footnotes:

Supporting references for the filters are as follows:
Potentially effective for the following mental health concerns: Depressive disorders¹; Potentially effective in the following age groups: Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric^1,5,6; Treatment setting options: Individual⁶, Group⁶ ; Treatment format options: In-person⁶, Telephone^4,6; Typical treatment duration: < 10 sessions, 10–20 sessions^1,2

References:

Zhou, SG et al. Chin Med J (Engl). 2017;130(23):2844-2851.
Key IPT Strategies. International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy. 2020. https://interpersonalpsychotherapy.org/ipt-basics/key-ipt-strategies/. Accessed March 2, 2020.
Duberstein, PR et al. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2018;86(10):868-878.
Guille, C & Douglas, E. Evid Based Nurs. 2017;20(1):12-13.
Adaptations of IPT: What works for whom? International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy. 2020. https://interpersonalpsychotherapy.org/ipt-basics/adaptations-of-ipt-what-works-for-whom/. Accessed March 2, 2020.
Cuijpers, P et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2011;168(6):581-592.
Ravitz, P et al. J Clin Psychol. 2011;67(11):1129-1139.