Interpersonal Psychotherapy Informed Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder With Subsequent Depression

Abstract

This is a single-case study of a young woman with avoidant personality disorder (APD) and subsequent depression, worry, lack of motivation, feelings of inadequacy, and nonassertive behaviors in her romantic relationship and professional career. Treatment was informed by interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for depression and also utilized assertiveness skills training. The client’s self-confidence was tracked daily, using a subjective self-report measure, and the completion of personality and symptom assessment measures before treatment (Phase A) and during the termination stage of treatment. Simulation Modeling Analysis for Time Series evaluated the change in levels of self-confidence across baseline, active treatment (Phase B), and termination (Phase C). In addition, reliable change was assessed using a comparison of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2–Restructured Form and Symptom Checklist-90–Revised results from baseline and Phase C. The patient experienced symptom improvement in self-confidence, somatic complaints, stress and worry, anxiety, and depression, suggesting that IPT techniques may be useful in the treatment of APD.