Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Women With Sexual Abuse Histories

Abstract

Depression among women with childhood sexual abuse histories has a chronic and treatment-refractory course, and is accompanied by high rates of comorbid illness and adult trauma exposures. Reducing the disproportionate burden of serious mental illness among depressed, traumatized women must be a priority in community mental health settings. Effective treatments are needed. The feasibility and effects of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for women with major depression and childhood trauma histories were tested. Twenty-five women in a community mental health center were enrolled in a 16-session course of IPT. Symptoms, functioning, and feasibility (e.g., participation rates) were measured at baseline, 10 weeks, 24 weeks, and 36 weeks. Fifteen of the 25 participants completed eight or more sessions. Significant improvements in depression and psychological functioning, but not in social functioning, were observed. Although a 16-session course of IPT appears feasible and promising, modifications may be needed to reduce barriers to care and enhance treatment potency.