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Published on: January 7, 2019

Evidence-informed assessment and treatment of depression in HCV and interferon-treated patients

Andrew F Angelino1, Glenn J Treisman

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. aangelino@jhmi.edu

International Review of Psychiatry (Abingdon, England)
|January 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is linked to higher rates of depression, which can worsen with interferon treatment. Immune dysfunction may play a role, but effective depression treatments exist for HCV patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant global health issue, potentially leading to liver failure.
  • HCV patients exhibit elevated rates of depression and substance abuse.
  • Interferon therapy for HCV frequently induces depression in a substantial patient subset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence linking depression with Hepatitis C infection and its treatment.
  • To explore the role of immune dysfunction in HCV-associated depression.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of depression treatments in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Hepatitis C, depression, and interferon treatment.
  • Analysis of evidence supporting immune-mediated mechanisms.
  • Examination of data on antidepressant efficacy in HCV patients.

Main Results:

  • A strong association exists between Hepatitis C and depression.
  • Interferon treatment for HCV is a significant trigger for depressive episodes.
  • Immune dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor.
  • Standard antidepressant therapies are effective for interferon-associated depression.

Conclusions:

  • Depression is a common comorbidity in Hepatitis C patients, exacerbated by treatment.
  • Immune mechanisms are implicated in the development of depression.
  • Effective treatments for depression should not impede HCV management.
  • Prophylactic antidepressant use may be beneficial for some patients.

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