Reliability, Sensitivity, and Specificity of Case Formulations for Comorbid Profiles in Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy: Addressing Mechanisms of Psychopathology

Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy (IRT) case formulations describe psychosocial mechanisms of affective and personality pathology in ways that enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy for individuals. With a valid and reliable IRT case formulation, a clinician is in a better position to draw upon effective techniques to maximize treatment effects. The case formulation and treatment models for IRT were described in depth along with the IRT treatment model by Benjamin (2003/2006). Data in this report from 93 adult inpatients with complex and comorbid presentations suggest that the case formulation is highly reliable and unique to individuals, and that symptoms reflect current interpersonal stresses linked to early interactions involving forms of hostility in relation with attachment figures and corresponding to three basic patterns in adulthood: identification (be like him or her), recapitulation (act as you did with him or her), and introjection (treat yourself as you were treated).