Depression and pegylated interferon-based hepatitis C treatment

Abstract:

Interferon remains an essential component of treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C infection. Mood disturbances, including depression, are relatively common in the hepatitis C virus-infected population and may worsen during hepatitis C treatment. Screening for depression prior to commencement of therapy is crucial and may improve treatment outcomes. Whether prophylactic antidepressant therapy should be initiated prior to therapy of hepatitis C virus infection with an interferon-based regimen remains unclear. We review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of depression before and during treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with interferon.

Keywords::

• pegylated interferon
• hepatitis C
• depression
• suicide risk
• cytokines