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Shelley Haddock, PhD, Colorado State University, 423 Behavioral Sciences Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523 shelley.haddock@colostate.edu
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Abstract
College women are vulnerable to depression due to developmental and transitional life changes. Early diagnosis and effective treatment is critically important. Empirical support exists for the effectiveness of select treatment options (i.e., antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT], and interpersonal psychotherapy [IPT]), yet a significant percentage of those treated do not benefit. In this pilot study, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy was tested as an alternative approach. College women (N = 37) were randomly allocated to IFS treatment or treatment as usual (CBT or IPT). Results demonstrated a decline in depressive symptoms for both conditions and no significant differences in the magnitude or rate of change. The results provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of IFS in the treatment of depressive symptoms.
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This study of IFS compared to treatment as usual (TAU) suggests that, in addition to CBT and IPT, IFS may be another promising choice for depressive symptoms among college females. Results showed no significant difference between the three forms of therapy, though all three produced some reduction in symptoms overall. The authors cite a few study limitations that may have impacted results such as having a very small convenience sample, participant attrition, low power, and the confounding variables such as attendance in group therapy and beginning antidepressant medication. As a pilot research project, it provides important evidence that IFS may positively impact the treatment of college females diagnosed with depression.