A form of brief (12–15 weeks) psychotherapy originally developed by psychiatrist gerald klerman (1928–1992), psychologist myrna weissman, and colleagues for the treatment of depression in which the focus is on four interpersonal problem areas often associated with its onset: grief, role disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits. The focus of the therapy is on current problems, important social relationships, self-evaluation by the patient with assessment of his or her current situation, and clarification and modification of maladaptive perceptions and current interpersonal relationships. A procedural manual specifies the concept, techniques, and strategies of IPT.
A short-term therapy designed to address interpersonal relationships and their improvement rather than attempting to treat maladaptive cognitive issues. Primarily used to help depressed people function effectively, interpersonal therapy.
A form of psychotherapy used successfully to treat depression that addresses its social context.