Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents with Depression: What Has the Research Taught Us So Far?

Abstract

Given the high prevalence of depression among adolescents, there is a dire need for efficacious, cost-effective, and accessible treatments for adolescent depression. One type of psychosocial treatment shown to be efficacious in the treatment of adolescents with depression is Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-A). Originally developed and tested for depressed adults and modified for work with adolescents, IPT-A is a time limited, brief psychotherapy based on the premise that depression occurs in the context of interpersonal relationships (Weisman, Markowitz, & Klerman, 2000). Both the time-limited nature and focus on the present, especially social relationships, seem particularly relevant to adolescents and their specific developmental issues, including major life choices in education, work, and the establishment of intimate relationships. Efficacy and effectiveness trials of IPT-A have demonstrated its flexibility and applicability. Nevertheless, more efficacy data is warranted, with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations.