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Interpersonal Psychotherapy in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Author(s) -
Morris Jane
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/cpp.1779
Subject(s) - interpersonal psychotherapy , psychology , context (archaeology) , psychotherapist , mental health , interpersonal communication , psychiatry , perspective (graphical) , depression (economics) , vignette , clinical psychology , medicine , randomized controlled trial , paleontology , social psychology , surgery , macroeconomics , artificial intelligence , computer science , economics , biology
Over the past two decades, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) has shown itself to be one of only two evidence‐based psychotherapies for the treatment of depression in adolescence—an age group where the prescribing of antidepressant medication is limited and where morbidity and recurrence are high. We review the literature on the development and research studies of the IPT model for depressed adolescent patients, as well as recent developments expanding its use to other cultures and different diagnostic areas. An overview is provided of the model in action, using a fictionalized case vignette. Finally, we consider the future of IPT for the treatment and prevention of affective disorders in the under 18 age group and in the context of other generations in vulnerable families. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message Interpersonal Psychotherapy is one of only two evidence‐based therapies for the treatment of depression in adolescents, providing an acceptable and often enjoyable alternative to cognitive–behavioural therapy for both patients and their therapists. For experienced clinicians, IPT accreditation can be achieved after a basic 4‐ to 5‐day course, followed by formal supervision of 2–4 cases. The model emphasizes ‘sick role’—healthy and responsible ways to behave as a recovering patient. Interpersonal Psychotherapy is not only compatible with—and may support—prescription of antidepressant medication but may also be used where medication is best avoided, such as during teenage pregnancy. The systemic perspective allows flexible inclusion of parents and other significant members of the network whilst respecting the young person's autonomy and not requiring the orchestration and extra resource of formal family therapy models.