Psychiatric aspects of hepatitis C treatment.

Hepatitis C is a public health problem worldwide. Currently recommended therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C, pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin, when applied in combination, are often associated with the risk of developing mood disorders, depression and anxiety. Previously, the existence of psychiatric comorbidity was the reason for therapy discontinuation, but current guidelines allow such treatment despite the presence of psychiatric illness. Close cooperation with psychiatrists is highly recommended for the treatment of patients with psychiatric comorbid disease in order to motivate the patient for treatment, stabilize his mental condition, educate him about the possible side effects, and regularly monitor the patient, so the treatment can be carried out safely and successfully. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for successful treatment of hepatitis C virus infections.