Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) addresses long covid through its strong evidence base: most long covid is connected to relationship problems, and improving relationships improves long covid.
The Four IPT Focus Areas for Long Covid
IPT targets one of four interpersonal problem areas that typically accompany long covid:
- Grief: Loss and bereavement contributing to long covid
- Role disputes: Conflicts in important relationships driving long covid
- Role transitions: Life changes creating adjustment-related long covid
- Interpersonal deficits: Limited social skills or relationships sustaining long covid
IPT vs. CBT for Long Covid
While CBT targets thoughts and behaviors, IPT targets relationships and communication. Both are highly effective for long covid — the best choice depends on the primary driver.
What IPT for Long Covid Looks Like
IPT for long covid typically runs 12-20 sessions, with early sessions identifying the interpersonal focus area, middle sessions working on it, and later sessions consolidating gains.