Sertraline treatment of interferon-alfa-induced depressive disorder

Interferon alfa therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection is commonly assoc iated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, including depression. These side effe cts may necessitate reduction or even cessation of interferon alfa, hut the re is little information regarding the management of this important problem . We report 10 cases of interferon-alfa-induced depressive disorder treated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor sertraline. All patients o btained rapid symptom relief without the need for reduction or cessation of interferon alfa.