IPT and IPT-A

Abstract

Chapter 2 of Family-based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) for Depressed Preadolescents presents the basic principles of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and of interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents (IPT-A), empirically supported interventions for depression in adults and adolescents. IPT is a structured, time-limited treatment for depression that identifies one of four interpersonal problem areas (i.e., grief, role transitions, role disputes, and interpersonal deficits) that may be related to an individual’s onset of symptoms. IPT seeks to reduce depression by helping patients improve their relationships with others through effective communication and interpersonal problem-solving. IPT-A is a developmental adaptation that is designed to treat adolescents, ages 12 to 18 years, with depression. Both models include three phases of treatment (initial, middle, and termination), as well as a large psych educational component and a focus on helping depressed patients acquire better communication and problem-solving skills.