Low-dose long-term interferon-a is a standard therapy for hepatitis C and is often associated with neuropsychiatric

side effects, most frequently depression, mild cognitive impairment and fatigue which disappear with cessation of such treatment. Psychotic disorders are a rare complication of the treatment and usually resolve with its termination. In this paper, a review of the literature on interferon-a-induced psychotic disorders in hepatitis C patients has been performed. Epidemiology, predisposing factors, clinical picture, treatment and mechanisms of this serious neuropsychiatric complication have been discussed. Also, an own case of chronic schizophreniform psychosis and dementia following such treatment is described.

interferon-a / psychotic disorders / clinical factors / treatment / mechanisms