Interferon treatment is not associated with a worsening of psychiatric symptoms in patients with hepatitis C

J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2000 Mar;15(3):300-3. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02090.x.

Abstract

Aim: To study prospectively the psychiatric side effects of interferon-alpha in patients with hepatitis C.

Methods: Sixty-three consecutive patients at a hepatitis clinic were recruited. All were assessed using a psychiatric interview (SCID) and monitored using a self-reporting psychiatric symptom questionnaire (SCL-90).

Results: Patients on interferon did not suffer a drop in mood or an increase in anxiety or irritability. The subgroup with past depression also did not suffer an increase in depressive symptoms. No patients attempted suicide.

Conclusions: The risk of serious psychiatric symptoms when being treated with interferon-alpha may not be high. Psychiatric illness or the possibility of psychiatric complications should not be used as a reason to refuse this treatment to patients with hepatitis C.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anxiety / physiopathology*
  • Depression / physiopathology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha