Using interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) in a combined psychotherapy/medication research protocol with depressed elders. A descriptive report with case vignettes.
One hundred eighty subjects at least 60 years of age with recurrent unipolar major depression were recruited to participate in a depression treatment protocol. All patients received drug therapy with nortriptyline (NT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) with an experienced clinician. Acutely, 81% of subjects showed a full response to combined treatment. In the initial 127 subjects, the most common problem areas in therapy were role transition (41%), interpersonal disputes (34.5%), and grief (23%). Case vignettes are presented and discussed. The combination of IPT and NT showed a powerful antidepressant effect. IPT was readily adaptable to the needs of depressed elders.
Miller
M D
MD
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA.
Wolfson
L
L
Frank
E
E
Cornes
C
C
Silberman
R
R
Ehrenpreis
L
L
Zaltman
J
J
Malloy
J
J
Reynolds
C F
CF
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D009661:Nortriptyline