Interpersonal therapy: what the research says

IPT has good evidence for low mood and UK and WHO guidance list it as a first option. Evidence for anxiety and grief is limited.

What a session is

A structured talking therapy, usually 8 to 16 sessions, that looks at how your relationships, losses and life changes link to how you feel.

What the research says

• Low mood: UK and WHO guidance list IPT among the first talking therapies for depression, though UK guidance ranks CBT higher. It does not help everyone. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2022 · WHO, 2026 · NHS, 2023
• Worry and anxiety: One large review found IPT may ease anxiety, but most studies had flaws. UK anxiety guidance recommends CBT or applied relaxation instead. Limited evidence · Am J Psychiatry, 2016 · NICE, 2011
• Grief: The NHS says IPT can help with coping after a bereavement. Therapy for everyone who grieves has not been shown to help. Limited evidence · NHS, 2023 · WHO, 2013 · NHS, 2026
• Stress, sleep, menopause, pain: Not studied for these needs in the sources we use. For long-term poor sleep, CBT for insomnia is the talking therapy with evidence. No good evidence yet · NCCIH, 2024

More on each need: Lift your mood · Feel calmer · Grief and loss

Is it safe?

Talking about relationships and losses can make you feel worse for a while, so tell your therapist. If you have bipolar disorder, psychosis or an eating disorder, talk to your GP first. NHS, 2025

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

Checked 22 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.