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The Effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) has gained recognition as an effective treatment for depression. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of IPT in reducing depressive symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals with depression. Through an extensive review of the literature, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of IPT compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, supportive therapy) in targeting core symptoms of depression, including sadness, anhedonia, guilt, and interpersonal difficulties. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, format (individual vs. group), therapist qualifications, and participant characteristics (e.g., age, gender), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of IPT for depression.
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References
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