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An approach to interpersonal psychotherapy for postpartum depression

Focusing on interpersonal changes

Paula Ravitz, MD FRCPC
Associate Head of the Psychotherapy Program in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. She is Head of the Interpersonal Psychotherapy Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and is Director of the Mount Sinai Psychotherapy Training Institute

Correspondence to: Dr Sophie Grigoriadis, Psychiatry, University Health Network, Reproductive Life Stages Program, Women’s College Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4; telephone 416 340-4462; fax 416 340-4198; e-mail sophie.grigoriadis{at}uhn.on.ca

OBJECTIVE To review the principles of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD).

SOURCES OF INFORMATION Empirical literature, IPT manuals including those adapted for PPD, and the authors’ clinical experience.

MAIN MESSAGE 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.

CONCLUSION 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.