20 - Interpersonal therapy

Summary

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, evidenced-based therapy, initially developed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. In clinical trials, the duration of IPT for depression typically ranges from 8-16 sessions and is conducted in three distinct phases: initial, middle, and termination. In the initial phase of treatment, the therapist and patient make an explicit contract about the frequency and length of treatment. Termination is periodically mentioned throughout treatment, and several sessions prior to the agreed-upon end, the upcoming termination becomes more of a focus. Patients should be advised to seek further help as needed and a review of the events which trigger episodes is completed. Maintenance IPT (IPT-M) with or without medication is an option. The future of IPT and of psychotherapy in general is somewhat guarded in the United States, but not elsewhere. Psychotherapy in the USA has had a diminishing role in outpatient mental health treatment.