IPT Identification — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Interpersonal psychotherapy
The correct answer is **E, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)**. IPT is a structured, time-limited therapy for depression (NICE NG222: usually 8–16 sessions; classically 12–16) that links depressive symptoms with current interpersonal circumstances. Its recognised focal problem areas are grief or loss, role transitions, role disputes and interpersonal deficits/sensitivities, and techniques include communication analysis. CBT primarily modifies unhelpful cognitions and behaviours rather than organising treatment around interpersonal problem areas. CAT is also commonly time-limited (typically 16 sessions), but characteristically uses cognitive–psychodynamic reformulation, sequential diagrams and reformulation/goodbye letters. DBT emphasises emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness skills, principally for recurrent self-harm and emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder, and is longer term. MBT aims to improve the capacity to understand one's own and others' mental states and is generally a longer-term treatment for personality disorder rather than a 16-session depression-focused therapy.
Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222), psychological interventions delivery table — interpersonal psychotherapy, 2022. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222/resources/depression-in-adults-treatment-and-management-pdf-66143832307909