title: Management of depression induced by interferon hepatitis therapies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Treatment with interferon therapy for hepatitis can induce depression and/or recurrence of affective illness, which could result in cessation of interferon treatment. This article reviews treatment for interferon-induced depression, including antidepressant drugs that may diminish associated symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  English-language literature with no date restrictions on the treatment of interferon-induced depression was reviewed via PubMed and MEDLINE using the key words hepatitis, interferon, hepatitis C, interferon-induced depression, pharmacotherapy of interferon-induced depression, and depression prevention. Fourteen of the most pertinent references are cited.
  
  
  METHODS
  Escitalopram is the most prominently noted pharmaceutical prescribed for treating mood symptoms in hepatitis patients with interferon-induced depression. Other antidepressant medicines may have utility as well.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Antidepressant drugs can be efficacious in diminishing mood disorders during hepatitis therapies. It remains controversial as to whether antidepressant medications can provide prophylaxis against newly developing interferon-induced depressions in individuals with no past history of a mood disorder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Antidepressant medicines can be effective at improving mood in patients undergoing interferon treatment for hepatitis.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors: Hema
authors: H
authors: Shah
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors: Snehal
authors: S
authors: Kadia
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors: Radhika
authors: R
authors: Bawa
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Lippmann