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Psychiatric implications of hepatitis-C infection

Brian Giunta1, Charurut Somboonwit, William V Nikolic

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Research in Psychiatry Neuroimmunology Laboratory, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33613, USA. bgiunta@health.usf.edu

Critical Reviews in Neurobiology
|May 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis-C virus (HCV) infection often leads to psychiatric issues and fatigue, even without treatment. These symptoms, along with substance abuse and HIV, complicate patient care and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Hepatitis-C virus (HCV) affects 130 million globally, frequently causing chronic infection.
  • HCV-infected individuals often experience psychiatric symptoms and fatigue, impacting quality of life.
  • High rates of substance abuse and comorbid HIV infection are prevalent in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review psychiatric comorbidities in Hepatitis-C virus (HCV) patients.
  • To examine symptoms related to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy and non-treatment-related issues.
  • To discuss the impact of comorbidities on treatment and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of psychiatric symptoms in HCV patients.
  • Analysis of symptoms associated with IFN-alpha therapy.
  • Examination of non-treatment-related comorbidities like depression and fatigue.

Main Results:

  • IFN-alpha therapy can cause acute confusional states, delirium, depression, irritability, and mania.
  • Depression, cognitive decline, and fatigue are common even without IFN-alpha.
  • Substance abuse and HIV coinfection exacerbate psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Psychiatric comorbidities are a significant concern in HCV management.
  • Understanding and addressing these symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.
  • Comorbidities necessitate a comprehensive approach to care for HCV patients.

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