Interpersonal Psychotherapy (SSRI)

A number of medications are effective for targeting the biological causes of depression. The most widely prescribed medication in the world for depression appears to have a specific effect on the serotonin neurotransmitter system (Vallone, 1997). The introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has dramatically changed the treatment of depression around the world ((Vallone, 1997). The neurotransmitter serotonin affects many diverse functions, such as mood, sleep, appetite, sexual function and body temperature (Vallone, 1997). SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonin’s availability (Vallone, 1997).
The five currently marketed SSRIs- fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine and citalopram- were accepted by international regulatory agencies, as they were found to be superior to placebo, and for most cases, of equal efficacy when compared to the older generations of tricyclic …show more content…
The treatment aims to relieve the symptoms of depression and improve interpersonal functioning (Wurm et al., 2009). IPT is a focused-short term time-limited therapy that emphasizes the current interpersonal relationships of the depressed patient while recognizing the role of genetic, biochemical, developmental, and personality factors in causation of and vulnerability to depression (Klerman & Weissman, 1994). Within IPT, interpersonal relationships are the focus as the means to bring about change, with a main focus on helping patients improve their interpersonal relationships or alter their expectations towards them (Wurm et al., 2009). IPT also aspires to assist patients to expand and improve their social support network, so that they can better manage their existing interpersonal anguish (Wurm et al.,