A group adaptation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for depressed adolescents

Am J Psychother. 2004;58(2):220-37. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2004.58.2.220.

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the adaptation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for depressed adolescents (IPT-A) to be delivered in a group format (IPT-AG) for the treatment of depressed, nonbipolar outpatient adolescents. The model has been modified to address the challenges of working with several adolescents in a group context. It takes advantage of the group as a laboratory environment for experimenting with new ways of communicating and interacting with others. The IPT-AG manual, described in this paper, provides guidelines for working with multiple interpersonal issues and keeping the group discussion relevant to the group as a whole. These adaptations are discussed in the context of the interpersonal framework with respect to each phase of treatment. Preliminary data about the feasibility and acceptability of conducting IPT-AG are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Psychiatry / methods*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Female
  • Group Processes
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Outpatients
  • Psychotherapy, Group*