Neuropsychiatric symptoms of hepatitis C.

More than 4 million (2%) people in the United States have been infected with the hepatitis C virus, of whom 2.7 million are chronically infected. The current treatment for chronic hepatitis C patients is Interferon and ribavirin combination therapy, which is associated with numerous neuropsychiatric side effects. The most common are fatigue, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and anxiety. Early identification and treatment of these symptoms may not only improve the patient's mental health, but also may increase the patient's functional ability and overall quality of life. Psychiatric nurses can play a pivotal role in the successful management of the neuropsychiatric symptoms.