Pharmacopsychiatry 2007; 40(4): 146-148
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-984390
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Chronic Paranoid Psychosis and Dementia Following Interferon-α Treatment of Hepatitis C: A Case Report

W. Drozdz 1 , A. Borkowska 1 , M. Wilkosc 1 , W. Halota 2 , D. Dybowska 2 , J. K. Rybakowski 3
  • 1Clinical Neuropsychology Unit, Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun, Collegium Medicum Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
  • 2Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun, Collegium Medicum Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
  • 3Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Further Information

Publication History

received 17.01.2007 revised 14.05.2007

accepted 21.05.2007

Publication Date:
10 August 2007 (online)

Abstract

Low-dose interferon-α 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-α-induced serious mental disorders who developed a psychotic disorder with a cognitive impairment achieving the level of dementia after seven months of interferon-α 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-α therapy in a susceptible individual may necessitate regular psychiatric consultations during the treatment.

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Correspondence

W. DrozdzMD 

Clinical Neuropsychology Unit

Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun

Collegium Medicum Bydgoszcz

9 Sklodowskiej St.

85-094 Bydgoszcz

Poland

Phone: +48/525/854 36 8

Fax: +48/525/853 70 3

Email: wikdr@cm.umk.pl