While it was originally developed for depression, research over the past few decades shows it can be adapted to help with a range of mental health disorders and life problems.

That’s notably true when those issues involve feeling stuck, weighed down, or helpless.

1. Major depressive disorder (MDD)
   • This is the original primary use.
   • PST is especially effective for mild to moderate depression.
2. Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)
   • Because it focuses on building daily coping skills, PST can help with the chronic, lower-grade sadness of dysthymia.
3. Anxiety disorders
   
   
   • Studies suggest PST can ease symptoms of anxiety, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), by improving perceived control and problem-focused coping.
4. Post-stroke depression
   • Stroke survivors often develop depression due to disability and life changes. PST has been proven highly effective here.
5. Caregiver stress and depression
   • Caregivers benefit from PST because it helps manage the overwhelming demands of caregiving.
6. Adjustment disorders
   • When people struggle emotionally after major life changes, such as job loss and illness diagnosis, PST provides structure and coping strategies.
7. Chronic illness-related depression
   • PST has been used effectively with people facing illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, where depression is often secondary to coping with a serious health problem.

Life problems PST can address:

1. Relationship conflicts
   
   
   • PST can assist in developing better conflict resolution and communication strategies.
2. Workplace stress
   • PST teaches strategic thinking to navigate work difficulties such as job loss, difficult coworkers, and burnout.
3. Financial difficulties
   • PST aims at breaking down large, seemingly insurmountable issues into small, solvable steps.
4. Parenting challenges
   • PST aids parents in developing solutions to daily parenting stressors.

This can be very helpful when raising children with behavioral issues.

5. Life transitions
   
   
   • PST is helpful during big life changes when uncertainty spikes, like moving, retirement, becoming a parent, or graduating.
6. Problematic decision-making patterns
   • People who tend to avoid, procrastinate, or panic when making decisions can benefit from PST’s structured approach.

Where PST might not be enough on its own:

• Severe depression with psychotic features.
• Bipolar disorder (especially manic phases).
• Complex PTSD or deep trauma (where trauma-focused therapies like EMDR or prolonged exposure are more appropriate).
• Severe cognitive impairments (like late-stage dementia, unless highly adapted).

PST can still be useful in these cases, but it’s typically combined with other treatments like medication, trauma therapy, or intensive case management.