2005 issue 3

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Volume 14, issue 3

Review article

Depressive disorders in the course of treatment of chronic viral hepatitis with interferon a

Dominik Strzelecki1, Tomasz Pawełczyk1, Jolanta Rabe-Jabłońska1
1. Kliniki Zaburzeń Afektywnych i Psychiatrii Młodzieżowej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lodzi
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2005; 14 (3): 195-229
Keywords: type C viral hepatitis, interferon, depressive disorders

Abstract

Objective. This article reviews the epidemiology of chronic type C hepatitis and the neuropsychiatric complications of its treatment with Interferon a and Ribavirin.

Review. Special attention is paid to mood disorders because of their considerable prevalence and clinical significance. Psycho-pathological symptoms are one of the most important and most frequent complications of treatment of hepatitis C and their presence forces the reduction of interferon doses or even withdrawal of antiviral treatment altogether. The currently tested hypotheses explaining the adverse effect of interferon on the CNS and the emergence of affective spectre symptoms are presented.

Conclusions. Therapeutic strategies for the improvement of quality of life in patients and the chances of completion of interferon treatment are suggested.

Address for correspondence:
Dr Dominik Strzelecki, Klinika Zaburzeń Afektywnych i Psychiatrii Młodzieżowej Uniwersytetu Medycznego, Centralny Szpital Kliniczny, ul. Czechosłowacka 8/10, 92-216 Łódź