Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) was originally designed to treat major depressive disorder, but over the years, it’s been adapted and proven effective for a wide range of other mental health conditions, such as those with strong emotional and relational components.

1. Depression (its original target)

• • Major depressive disorder (MDD)

IPT is most validated for treating MDD in adults, adolescents, and older adults.

It helps by detecting how life events and relationship patterns contribute to depressive episodes.

• • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

Especially useful when chronic low mood is linked to long-term social isolation or unresolved role conflicts.

• • Postpartum depression
    
    

IPT is often recommended for new mothers dealing with identity shifts, relationship changes, or role transitions after childbirth.

O’Hara et al. (2000) proved IPT substantially diminished postpartum depressive symptoms over a 12-week course.

2. Bipolar disorder (as maintenance therapy)

• • IPT, often combined with medication, can aid those with bipolar disorder manage interpersonal stress, role transitions, and social rhythm disruptions, all of which can trigger mood episodes.

This variation is called IPT-SR (interpersonal and social rhythm therapy).

3. Anxiety disorders

• • Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

IPT addresses fears around rejection, improving assertiveness, and lowering social avoidance.

• • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

While not the primary treatment, IPT can aid in managing the interpersonal strain caused by chronic worry.

Meta-analyses suggest CBT is still the gold standard for anxiety, but IPT can be a strong alternative when anxiety is entangled with relationship stress.

4. Eating disorders
   
   

• • Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

IPT-E (a modified form) assists in addressing how interpersonal conflicts or self-esteem issues contribute to disordered eating.

It’s notably useful when eating behaviors are used to manage emotional distress in relationships.

Fairburn et al. (1993) found IPT-E as effective as CBT in treating bulimia over the long term.

5. Adolescent and youth mental health

• • Adolescent depression (IPT-A)

Tailored for teens, this version includes family involvement and focuses on conflicts with peers or parents, grief, or identity changes.

IPT-A has strong support from randomized controlled trials.

6. PTSD and trauma-related disorders
   
   

IPT isn’t exposure-based like many trauma therapies, but it’s been found helpful for:

• • Interpersonal trauma survivors.
  • Sexual assault survivors.
  • Complex PTSD.

It focuses more on rebuilding trust and improving social support, rather than retelling the trauma.

Markowitz et al. (2015) discovered IPT helpful for PTSD, especially when trauma disrupts relationships and emotional connection.

7. Personality disorders (to some extent)

• • Borderline Personality Disorder

While not a core treatment, IPT techniques can support emotional regulation and relational stability when integrated with other approaches like DBT.

8. Grief and complicated bereavement

• • IPT helps distinguish normal grieving from complicated grief, where symptoms persist or interfere with functioning.
  • It supports clients through mourning and rebuilding a sense of identity post-loss.