BACKGROUND: Several studies found a high incidence rate of neuro-psychiatric complications during long-term therapy with interferon alpha (IFNalpha), e.g. slowness, severe fatigue, hypersomnia, lethargy, depressed mood, mnemonic troubles, irritability, short temper, emotional lability, social withdrawal, and lack of concentration. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of depressed mood and major depression in patients who were treated with IFNalpha. METHODS: 30 patients, affected by chronic active C-hepatitis, have been evaluated at baseline and 3 months after IFNalpha treatment. The evaluation consisted of psychometric assessments employing the DSM-IV criteria and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). RESULTS: At end-point, 40.7% of the patients suffered from a full blown major depression, according to the DSM-IV criteria for major depression. IFNalpha treatment induced a significant increase in the MADRS score from baseline to 3 months later. The MADRS items which were significantly increased at end-point were: expressed and unexpressed sadness; irritability; insomnia; loss of appetite; and asthenia. DISCUSSION: The results show that prolonged IFNalpha treatment may induce depressive symptoms and major depression in a considerable number of subjects.
BACKGROUND: Several studies found a high incidence rate of neuro-psychiatric complications during long-term therapy with interferon alpha (IFNalpha), e.g. slowness, severe fatigue, hypersomnia, lethargy, depressed mood, mnemonic troubles, irritability, short temper, emotional lability, social withdrawal, and lack of concentration. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of depressed mood and major depression in patients who were treated with IFNalpha. METHODS: 30 patients, affected by chronic active C-hepatitis, have been evaluated at baseline and 3 months after IFNalpha treatment. The evaluation consisted of psychometric assessments employing the DSM-IV criteria and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). RESULTS: At end-point, 40.7% of the patients suffered from a full blown major depression, according to the DSM-IV criteria for major depression. IFNalpha treatment induced a significant increase in the MADRS score from baseline to 3 months later. The MADRS items which were significantly increased at end-point were: expressed and unexpressed sadness; irritability; insomnia; loss of appetite; and asthenia. DISCUSSION: The results show that prolonged IFNalpha treatment may induce depressive symptoms and major depression in a considerable number of subjects.
Authors: Maria Ironside; Roee Admon; Stephanie A Maddox; Malavika Mehta; Samuel Douglas; David P Olson; Diego A Pizzagalli Journal: Psychol Med Date: 2019-10-16 Impact factor: 7.723
Authors: Vilma Gabbay; Rachel G Klein; Carmen M Alonso; James S Babb; Melissa Nishawala; Georgette De Jesus; Glenn S Hirsch; Pauline M Z Hottinger-Blanc; Charles J Gonzalez Journal: J Affect Disord Date: 2008-09-13 Impact factor: 4.839
Authors: Michael B Hennessy; Kristopher D Paik; Jessica D Caraway; Patricia A Schiml; Terrence Deak Journal: Behav Neurosci Date: 2011-06 Impact factor: 1.912