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Published on: March 24, 2015
Mood disorders associated with interferon treatment: theoretical and practical considerations
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock 79430, USA. psysld@ttuhsc.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|April 17, 2001
Summary
Interferon treatment can trigger mood disorders, often dose-dependently, necessitating management with antidepressants or discontinuation. Pre-existing mood disorders in remission do not always contraindicate interferon therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Interferon therapy is associated with significant adverse effects.
- Mood disorders are a recognized complication of interferon treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the theoretical and clinical aspects of mood disorders linked to interferon treatment.
- To discuss management strategies for interferon-induced mood disturbances.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and manual searches (1980-2000).
- Inclusion of review articles, clinical studies, and book chapters on interferon's behavioral effects.
- Exclusion of studies lacking standardized psychiatric diagnostic criteria or monitoring.
Main Results:
- Interferon treatment is linked to mood disorders, with symptoms appearing rapidly and often dose-dependently.
- Management may require dose adjustment, discontinuation of interferon, or psychotropic medications.
- Limited evidence suggests serotonin system alterations may play a role in pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Interferon therapy can induce mood symptoms, but stable, remitted mood disorders may not be absolute contraindications.
- Managing interferon-associated mood disorders presents challenges but offers insights into mood disorders.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these mood disturbances.
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