The use of IPT for Major Depressive Disorder has been examined in many studies. These studies showed that IPT was statistically comparable to a major drug prescribed for depression and performed better than a placebo control. This study has found that IPT is successful in treating depression in a variety of patients. Preliminary neuroimaging studies have found that IPT changes brain blood flow in a manner similar to that of serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

IPT and mood disorders

With IPT’s success with mood disorders, there is now exploration of IPT for different conditions. There have been studies conducted on drug abuse, ptsd, and anxiety disorders. Studies are still being conducted today, and are not yet conclusive. 

IPT and non-mood disorders

In the 1970s, Klerman and colleagues aimed to examine the efficacy of IPT in treating major depressive disorders in repeated randomized trials. The use of Interpersonal therapy has been demonstrated for mood and non-mood-related disorders in several countries. IPT has been tested in clinical trials for specific proposed applications, and not as a treatment for all disorders. 

Michigan State University

Interpersonal therapy is a short term form of treatment that helps individuals to understand interpersonal issues that are troublesome. This includes unresolved grief, conflicts with significant others, changes in social or work roles, and problems relating to others. This approach helps individuals to learn healthier ways to express emotions, how to improve communication, and how they relate to others. This approach is most often used to treat depression.

Interpersonal Therapy

Markowitz, J. C., & Weissman, M. M. (2004). Interpersonal psychotherapy: principles and applications. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 3(3), 136–139.

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