A REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERPERSONAL THERAPY (IPT) IN TREATING DEPRESSION

  • Unique Paper ID: 183030
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 3
  • PageNo: 117-122
  • Abstract:
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment developed to reduce symptoms of depression by focusing on interpersonal relationships. This review examines the theoretical foundation, core techniques, and research evidence supporting IPT’s use in treating depression. IPT is based on attachment and interpersonal theories and focuses on four main problem areas: grief, role transitions, interpersonal disputes, and interpersonal deficits. Therapists work with patients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen social support through structured techniques. Research findings support IPT as an effective treatment for depression. Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials show that IPT is more effective than no treatment and as effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). IPT has been successfully used with adolescents, perinatal women, older adults, and in low-resource settings. It is also useful as a maintenance therapy to help prevent relapse. Compared to other treatments such as CBT and medication, IPT offers a unique focus on social and relational factors, which is helpful for individuals whose depression is linked to interpersonal stress. IPT has been adapted for group formats, community delivery, and cross-cultural use, making it a practical option in many settings. However, challenges include limited availability of trained therapists and reduced suitability for individuals with significant cognitive difficulties. Future research should explore digital and blended formats that combine IPT with other approaches. In conclusion, IPT is a well-supported, adaptable, and effective treatment for depression. Its focus on interpersonal issues makes it a valuable option in the broader field of mental health care.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2025 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{183030,
        author = {Ms. Sayli Dilip Gaidhane and Jaya Pranoykumar Gawai and Pooja Kasturkar and Priyanka Meshram},
        title = {A REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERPERSONAL THERAPY (IPT) IN TREATING DEPRESSION},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {3},
        pages = {117-122},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=183030},
        abstract = {Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment developed to reduce symptoms of depression by focusing on interpersonal relationships. This review examines the theoretical foundation, core techniques, and research evidence supporting IPT’s use in treating depression. IPT is based on attachment and interpersonal theories and focuses on four main problem areas: grief, role transitions, interpersonal disputes, and interpersonal deficits. Therapists work with patients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen social support through structured techniques.  Research findings support IPT as an effective treatment for depression. Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials show that IPT is more effective than no treatment and as effective as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). IPT has been successfully used with adolescents, perinatal women, older adults, and in low-resource settings. It is also useful as a maintenance therapy to help prevent relapse. Compared to other treatments such as CBT and medication, IPT offers a unique focus on social and relational factors, which is helpful for individuals whose depression is linked to interpersonal stress.  IPT has been adapted for group formats, community delivery, and cross-cultural use, making it a practical option in many settings. However, challenges include limited availability of trained therapists and reduced suitability for individuals with significant cognitive difficulties.  Future research should explore digital and blended formats that combine IPT with other approaches.  In conclusion, IPT is a well-supported, adaptable, and effective treatment for depression. Its focus on interpersonal issues makes it a valuable option in the broader field of mental health care.},
        keywords = {Interpersonal Therapy, Depression, Psychotherapy, Mental Health, CBT, IPT},
        month = {July},
        }

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 3
  • PageNo: 117-122

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERPERSONAL THERAPY (IPT) IN TREATING DEPRESSION

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