Hepatitis C and depression.
Although the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is declining, a large reservoir of patients with chronic hepatitis C exists. Unless effective HCV antiviral regimens are developed, many patients with asymptomatic HCV will develop clinical symptoms in the next 15 to 20 years. Mood disorders are common in patients with HCV referred for psychiatric consultation. Interferon is the primary treatment for chronic hepatitis C but can induce depression and other mental and neuropsychiatric syndromes. Mood disorders associated with hepatitis C may respond to psychiatric intervention. Psychiatrists need to be aware of the clinical issues in the diagnosis and treatment of depression complicating chronic hepatitis C.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Tulsa, USA. william-yates@ouhsc.edu
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D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha