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.