Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a time limited, attachment-focused psychotherapy that centres on resolving interpersonal problems within our relationships and symptomatic recovery. IPT was initially developed in the 1970s by psychiatrist Gerald Klerman, researcher Dr. Myrna Weissman, and colleagues as a treatment for major depression in adults.

IPT was influenced by CBT as well as psychodynamic approaches, Attachment theory and Harry Stack Sullivan's Interpersonal psychoanalysis. It takes its structure from CBT in that it is time-limited treatment, typically lasting 12-16 weeks, employs structured interviews and assessment tools.

However, the fundamental belief driving interpersonal psychotherapy is that psychological distress often stems from challenges in our interactions with others. Attention is, therefore, focused on identifying distorted thinking in relation to significant others and on the patterns that can create a negative vicious cycle.

Treatment focuses on specific issues arising from recent events, such as the death of a significant person (complicated bereavement), conflicts with a significant other (role dispute), major life changes (role transition), or the absence of significant relationship (interpersonal deficits).

IPT has been modified for use with adolescents (IPT-A) to address developmental issues most common to teenagers such as separation from parents, development of romantic relationships, and initial experience with death of a relative or friend, as well as older adults.

Endorsed by the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), IPT is the psychotherapy most commonly recommended for treating depression.

Although more research is required, there is some evidence suggesting that a course of interpersonal therapy can be as effective as short-term treatment with antidepressants.