[Depression and suicidal intentions as a side effect of high dosage interferon-alpha therapy--two cases]

Adjuvant therapy with interferon for malignant melanoma causes neurotoxic side effects such as depression. The biochemical mechanisms are unknown. We report two cases with both depression and amnesia. In one case, attempted suicide was accompanied by 7 h of amnesia. The diagnostic classification and possible explanations for the amnesia secondary to interferon therapy are reviewed.