BACKGROUND: Approximately one-third of patients undergoing interferon-{alpha} (IFN-{alpha}) therapy for treatment of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) develop major depression, which decreases functioning and may lead to the reduction or discontinuation of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the efficacy of citalopram in preventing IFN-{alpha}-induced depression in HCV patients. METHOD: This was a randomized, controlled trial comparing citalopram with placebo in 39 HCV patients. RESULTS: The rate of IFN-{alpha}-induced depression in the sample was 15.4% (6/39). Randomization to citalopram did not decrease the statistical likelihood of developing IFN-{alpha}-induced depression (10.5% for citalopram vs. 20.0% for placebo). CONCLUSION: Citalopram does not prevent depression onset; however, an empirically-supported treatment recommendation for IFN-{alpha}-induced depression includes monitoring depressive symptoms throughout antiviral therapy and initiating psychiatric treatment at the initial signs of depression.
Prophylactic Antidepressant Treatment in Patients With Hepatitis C on Antiviral Therapy: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
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