Introducction. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), a time-limited psychotherapy, was developed in the 1970s as a treatment for outpatient adults with major depression. It has been subsequently modified for different age groups and types of mood and non mood disorders and for use as a long-term treatment. It has grown since in its range of research applications and in its clinical accessibility. Method. Review of recent research and educational developments on IPT. Results. IPT has demonstrated efficacy in several randomized controlled trials for acute major depression, for other psychiatric conditions and for long-term treatment of depression. Conclusions. By enhancing interpersonal functioning of the depressed patient IPT initiates the reduction of depressive symptomatology and helps solving current life problems as dual goal of therapy. The publication of efficacy data and the appearance of two North American practice guidelines that include IPT among validated treatments for depression have increased the interest among clinicians in many countries