@article{ref1,
title="Interferon treatment is not associated with a worsening of psychiatric symptoms in patients with hepatitis C",
journal="Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology",
year="2000",
author="Mulder, R.T. and Ang, M. and Chapman, B. and Ross, A. and Stevens, I.F. and Edgar, C.",
volume="15",
number="3",
pages="300-303",
abstract="AIM: To study prospectively the psychiatric side effects of interferon- α in patients with hepatitis C. <br><br>METHODS: Sixty-three consecutive patients at a hepatitis clinic were recruited. All were assessed using a psychiatric interview (SCID) and monitored using a self-reporting psychiatric symptom questionnaire (SCL-90). <br><br>RESULTS: Patients on interferon did not suffer a drop in mood or an increase in anxiety or irritability. The subgroup with past depression also did not suffer an increase in depressive symptoms. No patients attempted suicide. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The risk of serious psychiatric symptoms when being treated with interferon-α may not be high. Psychiatric illness or the possibility of psychiatric complications should not be used as a reason to refuse this treatment to patients with hepatitis C. (C) 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0815-9319",
doi="10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02090.x",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02090.x"
}