Citation

Mulder RT, Ang M, Chapman B, Ross A, Stevens IF, Edgar C. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2000; 15(3): 300-303.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02090.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

AIM: To study prospectively the psychiatric side effects of interferon- α in patients with hepatitis C.

METHODS: Sixty-three consecutive patients at a hepatitis clinic were recruited. All were assessed using a psychiatric interview (SCID) and monitored using a self-reporting psychiatric symptom questionnaire (SCL-90).

RESULTS: Patients on interferon did not suffer a drop in mood or an increase in anxiety or irritability. The subgroup with past depression also did not suffer an increase in depressive symptoms. No patients attempted suicide.

CONCLUSIONS: The risk of serious psychiatric symptoms when being treated with interferon-α may not be high. Psychiatric illness or the possibility of psychiatric complications should not be used as a reason to refuse this treatment to patients with hepatitis C. (C) 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; alpha interferon; anxiety; Anxiety; article; clinical trial; depression; Depression; disease exacerbation; drug safety; female; hepatitis C; Hepatitis C; human; immunotherapy; Interferon; irritability; major clinical study; male; mood; priority journal; questionnaire; risk; self report; suicide attempt