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Interpersonal therapy (IPT) was developed for the treatment of depression. IPT has been empirically studied and has been shown, when used in conjunction with medication, to be superior to no active treatment and to medication alone.
Interpersonal therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships and improving interpersonal and communication skills and one 's self-concept. The emphasis is on the here and now and on specific problems that the patient may be experiencing. To deal with these problems, the patient is taught new adaptive behavior that improve their interpersonal and communication skills. Treatment can be either short-term or long-term. An IPT therapist often focuses on these four areas:
| Grief--The way one deals with grief can have a significant impact on interpersonal relationships.
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| Role transition--Changes in roles may be a source of stress for many people and may affect one 's interpersonal relationships. Examples of role transition are becoming a parent or starting a new job.
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| Interpersonal disputes--Unresolved fights or constant disputes can also be disruptive to your mental well-being and may be the underlying cause of other problems you are experiencing.
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| Interpersonal deficits--Communication skills affect one 's interpersonal relationships. If you are always negative and are constantly belittling your friends, families, or co-workers, your relationships with these people will certainly suffer.
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