Trend of depression and the use of psychiatric medications in U.S. Veterans with hepatitis C during interferon-based therapy.

Objectives: Interferon-based therapy in patients with HCV infection may cause new psychiatric symptoms or worsening of existing psychiatric conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend of depression, and the use and the effect of psychiatric medications during interferon therapy.

Methods: Patients with HCV were evaluated at our clinic following a standardized template to collect clinical and psychiatric data at baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and every 6 wk thereafter.