Chronic pain is prevalent among patients with depression, and a risk factor for poor depression treatment outcomes. No known psychotherapy approaches have been developed to target the needs of patients with comorbid depression and chronic pain. This study’s goals were to evaluate feasibility, acceptability and initial effects of Interpersonal Psychotherapy adapted for women with depression and chronic pain. Seventeen women with major depression and chronic pelvic pain received 8-sessions individual treatment, Interpersonal Treatment for Depression and Pain (IPT-P). Participants were recruited from a women’s health clinic, were predominantly low-income and minority, and generally did not initially self-identify as depressed. Large effect sizes with significant improvements were found for depression severity and social adjustment; pain interference remained unchanged. Most enrolled patients reported a high level of satisfaction with IPT-P. This pilot study provides preliminary support for the use of IPT-P for patients with comorbid depression and chronic pain.
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