Psychiatric side effects of interferon therapy: prevalence, proposed mechanisms, and future directions.

[Guest guest]

J Clin Oncol 2000 Jun;18(11):2316-26

Psychiatric side effects of interferon therapy: prevalence, proposed

mechanisms, and future directions.

Trask PC, Esper P, Riba M, Redman B

Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Internal Medicine, and

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48108, USA.

pctrask@...

The increasing use of interferon (IFN) in treating a variety of disorders

including, malignant melanoma and hepatitis C, has resulted in the

identification and increasing concern about the psychiatric side effects

that can result from treatment. These effects can occur either shortly

after beginning IFN therapy or later as a result of continued treatment.

Studies have reported the incidence of later side effects, which include

symptoms of depression, anxiety, and occasional suicidal ideation, to be

from 0% to 70%. Case studies have demonstrated that pharmacologic

interventions are beneficial in reducing iatrogenic psychiatric symptoms

while allowing patients to maintain IFN therapy. The present article

provides an overview of the psychiatric effects of IFN therapy, the

proposed mechanisms of these side effects, and case studies that provide

mechanistic support. In addition, limitations of the current literature are

provided with suggestions for treating physicians and a discussion of

possible future research directions.

PMID: 10829053, UI: 20291219

[Guest guest]

J Clin Oncol 2000 Jun;18(11):2316-26

Psychiatric side effects of interferon therapy: prevalence, proposed

mechanisms, and future directions.

Trask PC, Esper P, Riba M, Redman B

Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Internal Medicine, and

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48108, USA.

pctrask@...

The increasing use of interferon (IFN) in treating a variety of disorders

including, malignant melanoma and hepatitis C, has resulted in the

identification and increasing concern about the psychiatric side effects

that can result from treatment. These effects can occur either shortly

after beginning IFN therapy or later as a result of continued treatment.

Studies have reported the incidence of later side effects, which include

symptoms of depression, anxiety, and occasional suicidal ideation, to be

from 0% to 70%. Case studies have demonstrated that pharmacologic

interventions are beneficial in reducing iatrogenic psychiatric symptoms

while allowing patients to maintain IFN therapy. The present article

provides an overview of the psychiatric effects of IFN therapy, the

proposed mechanisms of these side effects, and case studies that provide

mechanistic support. In addition, limitations of the current literature are

provided with suggestions for treating physicians and a discussion of

possible future research directions.

PMID: 10829053, UI: 20291219