title: Psychiatric side effects of interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Psychiatric disorders, especially depression, are frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). They are attributed both to the psychosocial impact of a chronic, usually progressive, disabling illness and to cerebral demyelination. Besides, drugs such as corticosteroids and possibly interferon (IFN) may also have depressogenic effects. Major depressive disorders and/or suicidal ideation are a major concern and efforts to identify and minimize these reactions are of much importance. Psychiatric side effects, particularly depression, are widely reported with IFN-alpha and have been suspected with IFN-beta but are not yet fully established. Our review of the literature revealed that most studies discard an association between IFN-beta and depression or suicide. However, few patients, especially those with a history of depression, might be at higher risk for depression when treated with IFN-beta. Overall, considering the uncertainty of a link between IFN-beta and depression and/or suicide, as well as the complete remission of psychiatric complications after IFN discontinuation and/or antidepressant treatment, physicians should closely monitor the psychiatric status of patients, but should not refrain from including them in IFN-beta treatment programs, even when they have past or present depression.
authors.affiliation: Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, CHRU, 2, avenue Oscar-Lambret, F-59037 Lille, France. jlgoeb@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: J-L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Goeb
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Even
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nicolas
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gohier
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dubas
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Garré
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016899:Interferon-beta