Antiviral completion rates and sustained viral response in hepatitis C patients with and without preexisting major depressive disorder

Background: Despite evidence suggesting that the majority of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have psychiatric and substance use disorders, patients with these comorbidities have historically been excluded from antiviral therapy for HCV. Objective: The authors compared antiviral completion and sustained virologic response (SVR) rates between hepatitis C (HCV) patients with versus those without preexisting major depressive disorder (MDD). Method: The authors performed a chart review of HCV patients (30 with MDD and 25 control subjects) who attended an optional HCV education class and signed informed consent allowing collection of clinical data. Results: The MDD group had completion and SVR rates similar to those of control subjects. Neuropsychiatric side effects and reasons for discontinuation of treatment were not different between groups. Conclusion: Patients with MDD can be safely and effectively treated with antiviral therapy.