Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): A Comprehensive Approach to Improving Mental Health, Study notes of Clinical Psychology

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Assignment On:

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Name: Deepika Mishra

Roll No.: 221909054

Semester: 3

rd

Course: M.Sc. Clinical Psychology

Subject: Psychotherapy

Submitted to: Miss Prachi

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, diagnosis-targeted, well studied,

manualized treatment for major depression and other psychiatric disorders. Therapists help patients to solve an interpersonal crisis as a way of both improving their lives and relieving their symptoms. IPT helps patients to understand their emotions as social signals, to use this understanding to improve interpersonal situations, and to mobilize social supports. IPT is based on the principle that relationships and life events impact mood and that the reverse is also true. IPT is an empirically validated intervention for depressive disorders, and is more effective when used in combination with psychiatric medications. Along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), IPT is recommended in treatment guidelines as a psychosocial treatment of choice for depression.

Time-limited: IPT typically is scheduled as a 12-16 week, once weekly therapy for acute

major depression.

History - Originally named "high contact" therapy; IPT was first developed in 1969 at Yale

University as part of a study designed by Gerald Klerman, Myrna Weissman and colleagues to test the efficacy of an antidepressant with and without psychotherapy as maintenance treatment of depression. They found in initial studies that IPT was more effective than a placebo; that in combination with medication it fared better than either treatment alone; and that on one-year follow-up, IPT helped patients to build social skills, which medication did not. Since 1974 there have been more than 250 randomized controlled studies of IPT published by research groups around the world.

Basic Principles- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, focused

psychotherapy for the treatment of depression. IPT builds on empirical evidence demonstrating reciprocal relationships between mood symptoms and interpersonal relationships. Its basic principles assume that helping patients to improve problematic interpersonal relationships or circumstances that are directly associated with the current mood episode will result in symptom reduction. Iteratively, improvement in mood will lead to additional spontaneous improvement in interpersonal functioning which, in turn, will lead to further reductions in mood symptoms. Thus, the primary goals of IPT treatment are symptom remission and improved interpersonal functioning.

Theoretical Rationale - IPT’s development was influenced by the interpersonal school of

psychology and its leaders such as Harry Stack Sullivan and Adolf Meyer. Sullivan argued that psychopathology arose in the context of conflict between an individual and his primary social unit. Meyer extended Sullivan’s argument, drawing the distinction between the psychoanalytic focus on intra-psychic conflict as a primary locus of psychopathology versus an emphasis on interpersonal conflicts as the genesis of psychopathology in the interpersonal school. IPT also draws on the work of Frieda Fromm-Reichmann who emphasized the social roots of

Interpersonal and Social Rhythms Therapy - Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) is designed to treat bipolar disorder. It emphasizes the importance of regular sleeping and eating schedules as well as social functioning in helping people with bipolar disorder avoid mood episodes and manage their symptoms.^12 It is used in combination with medication. Interpersonal Therapy Techniques IPT approaches treating depression by improving relationships. A therapist will usually start by doing an interpersonal inventory, which is a detailed review of your significant relationships, both current and past. The inventory is an extended psychosocial assessment. The therapist carefully reviews the important people in the patient’s life and the quality of those relationships. The therapist seeks to understand the sources of social support, nature of confiding relationships, romantic attachments, interpersonal communication style, and relationship difficulties that may be a cause or consequence of the depressive episode. The therapist uses information from the interpersonal inventory to select the interpersonal problem area. These relationships are grouped according to four main problem areas. Interpersonal disputes or conflicts- These disputes occur in marital, family, social, school, or work settings. The disputes emerge from differing expectations of a situation. They become a problem that needs to be addressed when the conflicts that come from the expectations lead to significant distress. Role transitions- Changing circumstances, whether they're developmental, stem from shifts in work or social settings, or result from a life event or end of a relationship, require adaptations from the individual. With depression, those changes are felt as losses and contribute to the depression. Grief- In IPT, grief is the experience of loss through death. Grief becomes a problem when it is delayed or becomes excessive so that it lasts beyond the normal time for bereavement. Interpersonal deficits- This refers to the patient reporting "impoverished" personal relationships either in number or in quality. By focusing on issues from these categories, the therapist can help the person with depression learn how to make the adjustments that are needed to address the interpersonal issue and improve relationships. The structure of IPT The opening sessions (1-3) focus on collecting information and making decisions about the focus of therapy. The therapist helps the patient create a list of all the key relationships in the patient’s life (interpersonal inventory). These relationships are grouped according to the four main problem areas. In the middle sessions (4 – 14), the patient concentrates on trying to improve the chosen problem area or areas with the support of the therapist. The patient and therapist work to develop

solutions to the problems, and the patient tries to implement the solutions between sessions. To do so, your therapist may engage in several strategies, which are:  Clarification : Identifying the thoughts, feelings, and desires contributing to certain behavior patterns within your relationships  Role-playing : Trying out different communication styles and behaviors with your therapist  Empathetic listening : Providing a warm, emotionally comfortable place for sharing your thoughts and feelings  Communication analysis : Helping you understand how others might be perceiving your behavior and communications  Encouragement of affect : Allowing you to express your full range of emotions in a safe environment, to help identify and accept undesired or unpleasant emotions The final sessions (15 – 16) focus on dealing with any sense of loss associated with the end of therapy as well as reviewing the issues that were identified in the interpersonal inventory and the progress made in dealing with them.

What is Interpersonal Therapy Good For?

IPT was at one time used as a short-term treatment option to address major depression. It’s now been found effective in treating multiple other conditions as well. Conditions treated- Many mental health conditions can be treated effectively using IPT. Some of them can include:  Anxiety  Borderline personality disorder (BPD)  Bipolar disorder  Eating disorders  Dysthymia  Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  Both perinatal and postpartum depression  Substance abuse and use disorders  Social anxiety disorder Issues addressed- IPT can help you improve important relationships in your life. This is in large part due to the very fact that it starts with taking inventory of all the current interpersonal relationships you have. Through IPT, you can address issues of:  Grief  Relationship conflicts  Major life changes  Role disputes you have with significant people in your life  Role transitions where you’re struggling to navigate new expectations and demands

develop effective strategies for expressing their needs, asserting themselves, and resolving conflicts. These skills can be beneficial not only during therapy but also in various aspects of life, leading to improved relationships and overall well-being.

5. Collaborative approach: IPT takes a collaborative approach between the therapist and the individual. The therapist works together with the individual to identify and understand interpersonal patterns and dynamics. This collaborative alliance fosters a supportive therapeutic relationship, where individuals feel heard, validated, and empowered to make changes in their interpersonal lives.

Cons of Interpersonal Therapy

1. Limited focus: While interpersonal therapy can be effective for addressing interpersonal issues, it may not delve deeply into underlying psychological or developmental factors. It primarily focuses on the present and immediate interpersonal concerns, which may not fully address complex or deep-rooted psychological issues that require a more comprehensive therapeutic approach.
2. May not suit all individuals: Interpersonal therapy may not be suitable for everyone, as its effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances and needs. Some individuals may require more intensive or specialized forms of therapy that target specific mental health conditions or underlying psychological issues. It is important to assess individual needs and consider alternative approaches when necessary.
3. Potential for dependence on therapist: The collaborative nature of IPT can lead to a strong therapeutic alliance, but it also carries the risk of individuals becoming overly reliant on the therapist for support and problem-solving. This dependency may hinder the development of independent coping skills and the ability to navigate interpersonal challenges outside of therapy.
4. Limited focus on intrapersonal factors: While interpersonal therapy primarily focuses on interpersonal dynamics, it may not address intrapersonal factors such as self-esteem, identity, or past trauma. These factors can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and may require additional therapeutic interventions to be adequately addressed.
5. Lack of long-term maintenance: IPT is typically a short-term therapy that focuses on resolving immediate interpersonal issues. Once the therapy concludes, individuals may benefit from ongoing support or maintenance strategies to sustain the improvements achieved. Without long-term maintenance, individuals may be vulnerable to relapse or facing new interpersonal challenges without adequate support.

Conclusion

Interpersonal therapy is a type of therapy that can be used to treat mental disorders and improve areas of life that are beneficial for our overall mental and emotional well-being. It has been found to be helpful in preventing relapse and is suitable for people who are able to talk about

their thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, interpersonal therapy can be an effective way to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Thank You.