title: Interferon beta-1a-induced depression and suicidal ideation in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Depression and suicide have been reported in association with multiple sclerosis (MS). Some studies show that interferon beta may increase the depression rate. We report a case of depression and suicidal ideation in coincidence with the start of increased doses of interferon beta-1a and their complete reversal following the drug withdrawal. The patient was a 21-year-old man with MS and no past history of affective disorders who was given interferon beta-1a in the dose of 11 microgram three times per week. As a new relapse occurred the dose of interferon beta-1a was increased to 22 microgram three times a week. The patient then observed increased worry, irritability and a sense of discouragement as well as recurring suicidal thoughts. His mood was rapidly restored following interferon beta-1a withdrawal. This case suggests that patients with MS may develop depression and suicidal thoughts when treated with high doses of interferon beta-1a.
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a