Abstract
Background: Despite evidence suggesting that the majority of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have psychiatric and substance use disorders, patients with these comorbidities have historically been excluded from antiviral therapy for HCV. Objective: The authors compared antiviral completion and sustained virologic response (SVR) rates between hepatitis C (HCV) patients with versus those without preexisting major depressive disorder (MDD). Method: The authors performed a chart review of HCV patients (30 with MDD and 25 control subjects) who attended an optional HCV education class and signed informed consent allowing collection of clinical data. Results: The MDD group had completion and SVR rates similar to those of control subjects. Neuropsychiatric side effects and reasons for discontinuation of treatment were not different between groups. Conclusion: Patients with MDD can be safely and effectively treated with antiviral therapy.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 500-505 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Psychosomatics |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2009 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Applied Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health