Chronic paranoid psychosis and dementia following interferon-alpha treatment of hepatitis C: a case report

Pharmacopsychiatry. 2007 Jul;40(4):146-8. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-984390.

Abstract

Low-dose interferon-alpha is a standard therapy for hepatitis C. Psychotic disorders have been described as a rare complication of such treatments that resolve with its termination. Here, we present a patient without significant risk factors for interferon-alpha-induced serious mental disorders who developed a psychotic disorder with a cognitive impairment achieving the level of dementia after seven months of interferon-alpha therapy. The disturbances have persisted for three years despite cessation of interferon and introduction of antipsychotic treatment. The possibility of severe neuropsychiatric adverse effects of interferon-alpha therapy in a susceptible individual may necessitate regular psychiatric consultations during the treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dementia / chemically induced*
  • Dementia / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Paranoid Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha