Treatment that concentrates upon a person’s marital and family problems that may contribute to the emotional or other mental health problems. Used frequently to treat alcoholism interpersonal psychotherapy.
Short-term form of psychotherapy for depression that focuses on the patient’s disturbed personal relationships that both cause and exacerbate the depression. Short term usually involves up to 20 sessions (usually weekly meetings, 1 hour per session) and maintains a focus on one or two key issues that seem to be most closely related to the depression. Although depression may not be caused by interpersonal events, it usually has an interpersonal component—it affects relationships and roles in those relationships. Interpersonal therapy was developed to address these issues. Data have shown that this form of therapy is equally as effective in the short-term treatment of depression as antidepressant medication therapy, though it also works well in conjunction with medications.
A form of brief psychotherapy (typically lasting 20 sessions or less) in which patients explore the stresses of interpersonal relationships and how those stresses impact their attitudes and coping abilities.
A comprehensive strategy encompassing the provision of information and education regarding the concept of the sick role, with a particular focus on enhancing current interpersonal dynamics and relationships. Interpersonal therapy has proven efficacy in addressing adjustment disorders associated with physical ailments.