Psychiatric side effects of interferon therapy: prevalence, proposed mechanisms, and future directions

The increasing use of interferon (IFN) in treating a variety of disorders including, malignant melanoma and hepatitis C, has resulted in the identification and increasing concern about the psychiatric side effects that can result from treatment. These effects can occur either shortly after beginning IFN therapy or later as a result of continued treatment. Studies have reported the incidence of later side effects, which include symptoms of depression, anxiety, and occasional suicidal ideation, to be from 0% to 70%. Case studies have demonstrated that pharmacologic interventions are beneficial in reducing iatrogenic psychiatric symptoms while allowing patients to maintain IFN therapy. The present article provides an overview of the psychiatric effects of IFN therapy, the proposed mechanisms of these side effects, and case studies that provide mechanistic support. In addition, limitations of the current literature are provided with suggestions for treating physicians and a discussion of possible future research directions.