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Prolonged psychosis associated with interferon therapy in a patient with hepatitis C: case study and literature

Yi-Chun Cheng1, Chun-Chih Chen, Ai-Sheng Ho

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Chang-Hua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.

Psychosomatics
|October 27, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Interferon (IFN)-alpha therapy for hepatitis C can rarely cause psychosis. Quetiapine effectively treated prolonged psychosis in a patient, showing its potential benefit in managing this rare side effect.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • Interferon (IFN)-alpha based therapies, often combined with ribavirin, are established treatments for HCV.
  • Psychosis is a rare but serious adverse effect associated with IFN-alpha treatment.

Observation:

  • A 30-year-old male patient with hepatitis C developed acute psychosis during IFN-alpha and ribavirin therapy.
  • Symptoms included persecutory delusions and auditory hallucinations, leading to a suicide attempt.
  • Initial treatment with amisulpride and risperidone showed no improvement.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced a marked recovery from psychotic symptoms after treatment with quetiapine.
  • The total duration of the psychosis was 28 weeks.
  • This case highlights the potential efficacy of quetiapine in managing prolonged IFN-induced psychosis.

Implications:

  • While IFN therapy is effective for hepatitis C, clinicians must be vigilant for psychiatric side effects.
  • The risk of IFN-induced psychosis is low, and symptoms often resolve post-treatment.
  • Quetiapine may be a beneficial therapeutic option for persistent IFN-induced psychosis.

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