"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. 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)," scientists in the United States report (see also Hepatitis C Virus).

"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. 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," wrote P. Hauser and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Patients with MDD can be safely and effectively treated with antiviral therapy. (Psychosomatics 2009; 50:500-505)."

Hauser and colleagues published their study in Psychosomatics (Antiviral Completion Rates and Sustained Viral Response in Hepatitis C Patients With and Without Preexisting Major Depressive Disorder. Psychosomatics, 2009;50(5):500-505).

For more information, contact P. Hauser, Portland VA Med Center, NW Hepatitis Resource Center C, 3710 SW US Vet. Hospital Rd., POB 1035 V3MHC, Portland, OR 97202, USA.

Publisher contact information for the journal Psychosomatics is: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Ste. 1825, Arlington, VA 22209-3901, USA.