Ribavirin May Be an Important Factor in IFN-Induced Neuropsychiatric Effects

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Sir: The recent article by Kraus et al.¹ is of considerable interest since interferon (IFN)-induced neuropsychiatric effects are highly prevalent, but minimally studied, in prospectively designed reports. As reported previously, IFN treatment of chronic hepatitis C resulted in a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and irritability/hostility scores. These neuropsychiatric disturbances frequently necessitate dose reduction and/ or treatment discontinuation, an approach that may compromise the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV).