Study of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression in Adolescents Aged 15 to 18

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy IPT for adolescents aged 15 to 18 years diagnosed with major depression. This study aims to analyze the effects, change mechanisms such as mentalizing and emotion regulation, predictors of treatment success, and how IPT is implemented within child and adolescent psychiatric services. The project plans to include 60 patients over four years and uses a quasi-experimental multiple-baseline design to measure outcomes. Participants will receive Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents IPT-A, a structured therapy adapted from adult IPT, designed to improve depressive symptoms by enhancing social support and processing interpersonal difficulties. Treatment includes some scheduled meetings with parents and is delivered by trained therapists within the psychiatric service. The study phases include a baseline period with no treatment followed by a treatment phase and a follow-up phase to observe changes. Throughout the study, participants will complete various assessments including the Montgomery sberg Depression Rating Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, administered at specific times before, during, and after treatment. Therapists and patients will also complete session-by-session measures evaluating mentalizing, emotion regulation, social support, and the working alliance. Qualitative interviews will explore patients experiences of change. The study monitors symptom improvement and predictors of treatment response over time.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Young Adults