Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with hepatitis C and interferon alpha: A review.
OBJECTIVE
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are commonly associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection, its sequelae, and its treatment. In particular, interferon, a primary component of treatment for chronic hepatitis C, has been strongly associated with depressive symptoms. This review summarizes current knowledge about the etiology, course, and treatment of neuropsychiatric problems associated with hepatitis C and interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment.


METHODS
Studies were identified by computerized searches, and further references were obtained from bibliographies of the reviewed articles.


RESULTS
Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus is a common and growing problem, often affecting persons with psychiatric and substance use problems. Although changes in cognition, mood, and personality have been described in association with hepatitis C and with IFN-alpha treatment, there has been little systematic study of these changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatrists should become familiar with the clinical spectrum associated with hepatitis C virus infection as well as the neuropsychiatric symptoms related to hepatitis C and IFN-alpha treatment. More studies are necessary to define the neuropsychiatric syndromes associated with this population and to find possible effective treatments. Furthermore, research is needed so that patients with psychiatric problems are not excluded from effective treatments for this growing medical problem.
Dieperink
E
E
Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VA Medical Center 55417, USA. Vhamindiepee@MED.VA.GOV
Willenbring
M
M
Ho
S B
SB
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology; D015444:Exercise; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists