Gerald L. Klerman, whose research on depression has made him world renowned, and Myrna M. Weissman, who has written, with Eugene Paykel, an important book on women and depression, have worked with their colleagues to present the empirical basis for their new treatment method. This theory builds on the heritage of Harry Stack Sullivan and John Bowlby and their focus on interpersonal issues and attachment in depression. Research shows that four problem areas predominate: grief, interpersonal disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits. The therapist evaluates the need for medication in addition to interpersonal therapy (IPT) and focuses on the patient’s problem area. Acknowledging that these areas are never mutually exclusive, the authors present a clear treatment strategy for each problem area, augmenting their presentation with a discussion of common problems that arise during IPT.

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