Interpersonal Psychotherapy IPT

1
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

• Premised on the idea that environmental events
  and stressors have considerable influence on an
  individuals psychological well being.
• Research has shown that depressive episodes
  frequently arise following the loss of a loved
  one, relationship conflicts, and the absence of
  social support.
• Research has shown that the presence of social
  support can protect individuals from depression.

2
IPT Perspective of Depression

• No causal theory of depression (which is likely
  to be multidimensional).
• Based on a medical model, thus, conceptualizes
  depression as an illness with biological
  underpinnings that interacts with
  life/environmental events.
• While life events do not necessarily cause
  depression, the mood disorder can often impair
  social functioning resulting in the triggering
  and maintenance of depression.

3
IPT Case Formulation

• The interpersonal environment is at the heart of
  IPT case formulation.
• The role of the IPT therapist is to assist the
  patient to understand their depressions within an
  interpersonal context.
• The IPT therapist guides the patient to identify
  specific life events and interpersonal issues
  related to the onset and maintenance of their
  depressions to help the patient understand the
  connection between their mood and CURRENT
  situation.
• It is vital to establish a connection (between
  life events and mood) that is salient and
  credible to the patient.

4
Features of IPT Case Formulation

• Diagnosing the depression sick role and hope.
• Taking an Interpersonal Inventory creating a
  catalogue of roles in the patients life.
• Determining a Problem Area/s the interpersonal
  formulation that links with the onset of the
  patients depression (the case formulation).

5
Interpersonal Problem Areas

• Grief which extends beyond a normal mourning
  period following the death of a loved one.
• Role Dispute relationship conflicts.
• Role Transition major life changes including
  moving, changing jobs, graduation, retirement,
  life-threatening illness, loss of a dream.
• Interpersonal Deficits default category
  characterized by a long-standing pattern of
  impoverished interpersonal relationships.

6
Problem Areas and Treatment Strategies

• Grief The goal is to help the patient to mourn
  and to gradually explore new activities and
  relationships to replace the one lost.
• Role Dispute The goal is to help the patient
  examine the dispute and seek resolutions.
• Role Transition The goal is to help navigate the
  change as smoothly as possible.
• Interpersonal Deficits The goal is to help the
  patient link their depressions with their social
  difficulties and to help the patients expand
  their social skills.

7
Summary

• IPT links mood with life events
• Establishment of a link that is most meaningful
  for the patient and to choose the correct problem
  area is at the core of IPT case formulation.
• The case formulation determines the direction and
  treatment approach.