Application of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for Depression Associated With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

People with schizophrenia spectrum disorders frequently experience depression, yet depressive symptoms are often unaddressed. The authors propose that interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) may be effective for individuals with these disorders who experience depression. IPSRT is a manualized, evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorders. It combines the core elements of interpersonal psychotherapy for unipolar depression with social rhythm therapy to target disrupted social rhythms. The authors highlight evidence for the potential utility of IPSRT to treat patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and present a case example. IPSRT is one promising therapy that could fill a treatment gap for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders by addressing depressive symptoms. Future work should build on this rationale and case example to design and implement a randomized controlled trial of IPSRT for treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and evaluate needed modifications.