In today’s busy world, more and more people are finding that they are subjected to periods of depression. The symptoms indicating some form of depression have been seen in all walks of life, from adolescents to successful business people and stay at home parents. The range of depression symptoms in people is widely varied, from mild (if frequent) mood swings indicating a minor condition such as cyclothymia to the frequent, wild, and unpredictable “highs” and “lows” of bipolar disorder.

Since the noticeable increase in cases of clinical depression in the 1980s, therapists and other professionals have come up with a variety of ways to treat and alleviate symptoms and allow patients to combat their depression and mood swings. These strategies include everything from medication to behaviour modification therapy.

One relatively recent, and surprisingly successful, innovation in the treatment of individuals with depression is termed Interpersonal Therapy. In this article, we will take a look at what exactly this strategy is and why it is effective.

The development of IPT

The treatment known as interpersonal therapy, has been practiced for three decades now, and has been of use in the treatment of several disorders including the most extreme versions of depression. Interestingly, this therapy was at first part of an experiment as a placebo – it was not meant to actually help people with their depression, but rather to serve as a blind in determining if a separate treatment was effective. Those conducting the experiment realized that in fact their “placebo” was having a greater effect than the treatment, and began to develop the process more fully.

Essentially, interpersonal therapy focuses on the communication of the individual patient. It is based on the premise that many psychological problems, including depression, arise from a failure to communicate effectively with those in one’s world.

The process of IPT, then, involves an intense focus upon the ability of a patient to communicate with others, and seeks to develop tools whereby that communication can be more effective. It is time limited, which means that it does not take place over a long period and is usually one of the last steps used in treatment.

This form of therapy has proven to be very successful, and continues to be a big part of the treatment of patients suffering from depression. It is also the most focused step in the treatment process, and during IPT all other treatment is halted in order for the patient to fully integrate the process.

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The presence of at least one manic episode, is the distinguishing characteristic of bipolar disorder Hamilton theripists know this when comparing bipolar to other mood disorders, and treat their clients appropriately.