An approach to interpersonal psychotherapy for postpartum depression: focusing on interpersonal changes.
OBJECTIVE
To review the principles of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD).


METHODS
Empirical literature, IPT manuals including those adapted for PPD, and the authors' clinical experience.


RESULTS
Level I evidence supports IPT as a treatment for PPD. Interpersonal psychotherapy is ideally suited because it focuses on the important interpersonal changes and challenges women experience during the postpartum period. It is delivered in 12 sessions and emphasizes interpersonal disputes, role transitions, or bereavement. In this article, we describe the IPT model and therapeutic guidelines for treatment of PPD.


CONCLUSIONS
Postpartum depression is an important public health problem with pervasive effects on mothers, infants, and families. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a relevant and effective treatment for women suffering from PPD because it helps address the many interpersonal stressors that arise during the postpartum period. The principles of IPT can be integrated easily into primary care settings as IPT is pragmatic, specific, problem focused, short-term, and highly effective.
Grigoriadis
Sophie
S
Psychiatry, University Health Network, Reproductive Life Stages Program, Women's College Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada. sophie.grigoriadis@uhn.on.ca
Ravitz
Paula
P
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001601:Bereavement; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D012380:Role; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents