The NICE guidelines recommend for mild major depression a range of low-intensity psychosocial intervention of proven effectiveness, as Interpersonal Counselling, and a stepped-care approach.

To assess feasibility and effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy interventions for the treatment of depression in a consolidated Collaborative Stepped Care Model between primary care and mental health specialists.

103 patients were referred by their PCPs to the Consultation-Liaison Service of Bologna and Modena. Of them, 78 were included in the study and administered self-report instruments and interview, including screening depression, anxiety and daily functioning. Patients were asked to choose one of the available treatment: 1) Interpersonal Counseling (IPC) 6-8 weekly meetings for 30 minutes; 2) IPC for Depression in Primary Care 3 sessions of 50 minutes; 3) a guided self-help intervention. Follow-up were planned at 1, 3 and 6 months. Both patients and PCPs provided a feedback about intervention’s satisfactions.

At the baseline, 39.4% of the patients presented a minor depression/major depression mild and the large majority (75.0%) of them chose IPC, while none of them chose the guided self-help intervention. At follow ups the mean PHQ-9 significantly decreased compared to the baseline (p<0.001); daily functioning increased (WSAS: p<0.001) and anxiety traits improved (STAI: p<0.001). Patient’s general satisfaction with the service received was high (GSQ: 85.9±15.0) as well as PCPs, 62.7% of them expressed high satisfaction for the intervention.

The study emphasised that IPC is an effective and feasible treatment very well suited to the primary care setting for an optimal management of depression.