Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-7cvxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T17:36:02.643Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Psychiatric side effects of interferon-β in multiple sclerosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

J.-L. Goeb ,
C. Even ,
G. Nicolas ,
B. Gohier ,
F. Dubas  and
J.B. Garré
J.-L. Goeb*
Affiliation:
Service de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, CHRU, 2, avenue Oscar-Lambret, F-59037Lille, France
C. Even
Affiliation:
Clinique des Maladies Mentales et de l'Encéphale, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
G. Nicolas
Affiliation:
Service de Neurologie, CHU, Angers, France
B. Gohier
Affiliation:
Service de Psychiatrie, CHU, Angers, France
F. Dubas
Affiliation:
Service de Neurologie, CHU, Angers, France
J.B. Garré
Affiliation:
Service de Psychiatrie, CHU, Angers, France
*
*Corresponding author. E-mail address: jlgoeb@wanadoo.fr (J.-L. Goeb).
Get access

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders, especially depression, are frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). They are attributed both to the psychosocial impact of a chronic, usually progressive, disabling illness and to cerebral demyelination. Besides, drugs such as corticosteroids and possibly interferon (IFN) may also have depressogenic effects. Major depressive disorders and/or suicidal ideation are a major concern and efforts to identify and minimize these reactions are of much importance. Psychiatric side effects, particularly depression, are widely reported with IFN-α and have been suspected with IFN-β but are not yet fully established. Our review of the literature revealed that most studies discard an association between IFN-β and depression or suicide. However, few patients, especially those with a history of depression, might be at higher risk for depression when treated with IFN-β. Overall, considering the uncertainty of a link between IFN-β and depression and/or suicide, as well as the complete remission of psychiatric complications after IFN discontinuation and/or antidepressant treatment, physicians should closely monitor the psychiatric status of patients, but should not refrain from including them in IFN-β treatment programs, even when they have past or present depression.

Keywords

InterferonMultiple sclerosisSide effects
Type
Review
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 21 , Issue 3 , April 2006 , pp. 186 - 193
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2006

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Alarcia, R., Ara, J.R., Martin, J., Bertol, V.Factores predictors de depression en la esclerosis multiple. Neurologia 2004;19:364–368.Google Scholar
Amirkhani, A., Rajda, C., Arvidsson, B., Bencsik, K., Boda, K., Seres, E.et al. Interferon-beta affects the tryptophan metabolism in multiple sclerosis patients. Eur. J. Neurol. 2005;12:625–631.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Arias Bal, M.A., Vazquez-Barquero, J.L., Pena, C., Miro, J, Berciano, J.A.Psychiatric effects of multiple sclerosis. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 1991;83:292–329.Google Scholar
Bayas, A., Rieckmann, P.Managing the adverse effects of interferon-beta therapy in multiple sclerosis. Drug Saf. 2000;22:149–159.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Beck, A.T., Steer, R.A.Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) manual. San Antonio; Psychological Corporation; 1987.Google Scholar
Billiau, A., Kieseier, B.C., Hartung, H.P.Biologic role of interferon beta in multiple sclerosis. J. Neurol. 2004;251(Suppl 2):II10–II14.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Blalock, S.J., DeVellis, R.F., Brown, G.K., Wallston, K.A.Validity of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in arthritis populations. Arthritis Rheum. 1989;32:991–997.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bonaccorso, S., Marino, V., Biondi, M., Grimaldi, F., Ippoliti, F., Maes, M.Depression induced by treatment with interferon-alpha in patients affected by hepatitis C virus. J. Affect. Disord. 2002;72:237–341.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bonaccorso, S., Marino, V., Puzella, A., Pasquini, M., Biondi, M., Artini, M.et al. Increased depressive ratings in patients with hepatitis C receiving interferon-alpha-based immunotherapy are related to interferon-alpha-induced changes in the serotonergic system. J. Clin. Psychopharmacol. 2002;22:86–90.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Borras, C., Rio, J., Porcel, J., Barrios, M., Tintore, M., Montalban, X.Emotional state of patients with relapsing–remitting MS treated with interferon beta-1b. Neurology 1999;52:1636–1639.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Capuron, L., Raison, C.L., Musselman, D.L., Lawson, D.H., Nemeroff, C.B., Miller, A.H.Association of exaggerated HPA axis response to the initial injection of interferon-alpha with development of depression during interferon-alpha therapy. Am. J. Psychiatry 2003;160:1342–1345.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Capuron, L., Ravaud, A., Neveu, P.J., Miller, A.H., Maes, M., Dantzer, R.Association between decreased serum tryptophan concentrations and depressive symptoms in cancer patients undergoing cytokine therapy. Mol. Psychiatry 2002;7:468–473.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Carlin, J.M., Borden, E.C., Byrne, G.I.Enhancement of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity in cancer patients receiving interferon-beta Ser. J. Interferon Res. 1989;9:167–173.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Chong, S.A., Ko, S.M.Clozapine treatment of psychosis associated with multiple sclerosis. Can. J. Psychiatry 1997;42:90–91.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Davidson, K., Bradley, C.R.Schizophrenia-like psychoses associated with organic disorders of the central nervous system: a review of the literature. In: Harrington, R.N., editor Current problems in neuropsychiatry Ashford: Kent: Headley; 1969.113–184.Google Scholar
Dieperink, E., Willenbring, M., Ho, S.B.Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with hepatitis C and interferon Alpha: a review. Am. J. Psychiatry 2000;157:867–876.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
European Study Group on Interferon beta-1b in Secondary Progressive MS. Placebo-controlled multicentre randomized trial of Interferon beta-1b in treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Lancet 1998;352:1491–1497.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Even, C., Friedman, S., Dardennes, R., Zuber, M., Guelfi, J.D.Prevalence of depression in multiple sclerosis: a review and meta-analysis. Rev. Neurol. 2004;160:917–925.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Even, C., Goeb, J.L., Taussig, D., Dardennes, R., Haguenau, M., Hakim-Kreis, C.M.Depression and multiple sclerosis. Eur. Psychiatry 1997;12:425–426.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Even, C., Lafitte, C., Etain, B., Dardennes, R.Les déterminants de la dépression dans la sclérose en plaques. Encephale 1999;25:78–85.Google Scholar
Fattovich, G., Giustina, G., Favarato, S., Azzario, F., Donato, F., Giustina, G., Fasola, M., Pantalena, M., Portera, G., Tagger, A.A survey of adverse events in 11 241 patients with chronic viral hepatitis treated with Alpha interferon. J. Hepatol. 1996;24:38–47.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Feinstein, A., du Boulay, G., Ron, M.A.Psychotic illness in multiple sclerosis. Br. J. Psychiatry 1992;161:680–685.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Feinstein, A., O’Connor, P., Feinstein, K.Multiple sclerosis, interferon beta-1b and depression. A prospective investigation. J. Neurol. 2002;249:815–820.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Garland, E.J., Zis, A.P.Multiple sclerosis and affective disorders. Can. J. Psychiatry 1991;36:112–117.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Goeb, J.L., Cailleau, A., Lainé, P., Etcharry-Bouyx, F., Maugin, D., Duverger, P., Gohier, B., Rannou-Dubas, K., Dubas, F., Garre, J.B.Acute delirium, delusion and depression during IFN-β-1a therapy for multiple sclerosis: a case report. Clin. Neuropharmacol. 2003;26:5–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gohier, B., Goeb, J.L., Rannou-Dubas, K., Fouchard, I., Cales, P., Garre, J.B.Hepatitis C, alpha interferon, anxiety and depression disorders: a prospective study of 71 patients. World J. Biol. Psychiatry 2003;4:115–119.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Goodin, D.S., Frohman, E.M., Garmany, G.P. Jr., Halper, J., Likosky, W.H., Lublin, F.D.et al. Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines. Disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the MS Council for Clinical Practice Guidelines. Neurology 2002;22(58):169–178.Google Scholar
Heila, H., Turpeinen, P., Erkinjuntti, T.Case study: mania associated with multiple sclerosis. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry 1995;34:1591–1595.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Iancu, I., Sverdlik, A., Dannon, P.N., Lepkifker, E.Bipolar disorder associated with interferon-alpha treatment. Postgrad. Med. J. 1997;73:834–835.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Jacobs, L.D., Beck, R.Y., Simon, J.H., Kinkel, R.P., Brownscheidle, C.M., Murray, T.S., Simonian, N.A., Slasor, P.J., Sandrock, A.W.Intramuscular Interferon beta-1a therapy initiated during a first demyelinating event in multiple sclerosis. N. Engl. J. Med. 2000;343:898–904.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Jacobs, L.D., Cookfair, D.L., Rudick, R.A., Herndon, R.M., Richert, J.R., Salazar, A.M., Fisher, J.S., Goodkin, D.E., Granger, C.V., Simon, J.H.Intramuscular interferon beta-1a for disease progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Ann. Neurol. 1996;39:285–294.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Janssen, H., Brouwer, J., Van der Mast, R., Van Der Mast, R.C., Schalm, S.W.Suicide associated with alpha-interferon therapy for chronic viral hepatitis. J. Hepatol. 1994;21:241–243.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Kanno, A., Yamada, M., Abe, M., Okamoto, Y.A case of interferon Alpha-induced manic psychosis in chronic hepatitis C. Tohoku J. Exp. Med. 1999;187:79–82.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Kappos, L., Polman, C., Pozzilli, C., Thompson, A., Beckmann, N.K., Dahlke, F.European Study Group in Interferon beta-1b in Secondary MS. Final analysis of the European multicenter trial on IFN beta 1b in secondary-progressive MS Neurology 2001;57:1969–1975.Google Scholar
Kathol, R.G., Jaeckle, R.S., Lopez, J.F., Meller, W.H.Pathophysiology of HPA axis abnormalities in patients with major depression: an update. Am. J. Psychiatry 1989;146:311–317.Google ScholarPubMed
Kayser, N., Louiz, H., Guillin, O.Syndrome confusodélirant sous IFN Alpha. Encephale 2001;27:585–587.Google Scholar
Lana-Peixoto, M.A., Teixera, A.L. Jr., Haase, V.G.Interferon beta-1a-induced depression and suicidal ideation in multiple sclerosis. Arq. Neuropsichiatr. 2002;60:721–724.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Leon, C., Violante, A., Arriada, N., Santana, H.R., Corona, T.Interferon-beta 1a in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. First report of a Mexican population. Rev. Neurol. 2000;31:1019–1022.Google ScholarPubMed
Leppert, D., Waubant, E., Burk, M.R., Oksenberg, J.R., Hauser, S.L.Interferon beta-1b inhibits gelatinase secretion and in vitro migration of human T cells: a possible mechanism for treatment efficacy in multiple sclerosis. Ann. Neurol. 1996;40:846–852.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lubetzki, C.Treatment of remitting forms of multiple sclerosis. Rev. Neurol. 2001;157:996–1000.Google ScholarPubMed
Malaguarna, M., Laurino, A., Di Fazio, I.et al. Neuropsychiatric effects and type of IFN-alpha in chronic hepatitis C. J. Interferon Cytokine Res. 2001;21:273–278.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mapelli, G., Ramelli, E.Manic symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis: secondary mania?. Acta Psychiatr. Belg. 1981;81:337–349.Google ScholarPubMed
McDonald, E.M., Mann, A.H., Thomas, H.C.Interferons as mediators of psychiatric morbidity. Lancet 1987;330(8569):1175–1177.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Minden, S.L., Orav, J., Reich, P.Depression in multiple sclerosis. Gen. Hosp. Psychiatry 1987;9:426–434.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Minden, S.L., Schiffer, R.B.Affective disorders in multiple sclerosis. Review and recommendations for clinical research. Arch. Neurol. 1990;47:98–104.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mohr, D.C., Goodkin, D.E., Likosky, W., Beutler, L., Gatto, N., Langan, M.K.Identification of Beck Depression Inventory items related to multiple sclerosis. J. Behav. Med. 1997;20:407–414.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mohr, D.C., Goodkin, D.E., Likosky, W., Gatto, N., Neilley, L.K., Griffin, C., Stiebling, B.Therapeutic expectations of patients with multiple sclerosis upon initiating interferon beta-1b: relationship to adherence to treatment. Mult. Scler. 1996;2:222–226.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mohr, D.C., Goodkin, D.E., Likosky, W., Gatto, N., Baumann, K.A., Rudick, R.A.Treatment of depression improves adherence to interferon beta-1b therapy for multiple sclerosis. Arch. Neurol. 1997;54:531–533.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mohr, D.C., Likosky, W., Dwyer, P., Van Den Wende, J., Boudewyn, A.C., Goodkin, D.E.Course of depression during the initiation of interferon beta-1a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Arch. Neurol. 1999;56:1263–1265.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Montgomery, S.A., Asberg, M.A new depression scale designed to be sensitive to change. Br. J. Psychiatry 1979;134:382–389.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Muraoka, H., Sanefuji, T., Keida, R., Tsuji, R., Abe, H., Uchimura, Y., Sata, M., Tanikawa, K., Nose, I., Uchimura, N., Nakazawa, Y.A patient with chronic hepatitis C and a history of abuse of analeptic drugs, who showed hallucinations and delusion with interferon administration. Kurume Med. J. 1996;43:73–77.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Musselman, D.L., Lawson, D.H., Gumnick, J.F., Manatunga, A.K., Penna, S., Goodkin, R.S.et al. Paroxetine for the prevention of depression induced by high-dose interferon alfa. N. Engl. J. Med. 2001;344:961–966.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Noronha, A., Toscas, A., Jensen, M.A.Interferon beta decreases T cell activation and interferon gamma production in multiple sclerosis. J. Neuroimmunol. 1993;46:145–153.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Nyenhuis, D.L., Rao, S.M., Zajecka, J.M., Luchetta, T., Bernardin, L., Garron, D.C.Mood disturbance versus other symptoms of depression in multiple sclerosis. J. Int. Neuropsychol. Soc. 1995;1:291–296.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
OWIMS Study group. Evidence of interferon beta-1a dose response in relapsing–remitting MS: the OWIMS Study. The Once Weekly Interferon for MS Study Group. Neurology 1999;53:679–686.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pandya, R., Patten, S.Depression in multiple sclerosis associated with interferon beta-1a (Rebif). Can. J. Psychiatry 2002;47:686.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patten, S.B., Fridhandler, S., Beck, C.A., Metz, L.M.Depressive symptoms in a treated multiple sclerosis cohort. Mult. Scler. 2003;9:616–620.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patten, S.B., Metz, L.M., Reimer, M.A.Biopsychosocial correlates of lifetime major depression in a multiple sclerosis population. Mult. Scler. 2000;6:115–120.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patten, S.B., Metz, L.M.Interferon beta-1a and depression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: data from the Spectrims trial. Neurology 2002;59:744–746.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Peselow, E.D., Deutsch, S.I., Fieve, R.R., Gulbenkian, G., Deutsch, S.I., Kaufmann, M.Coexistent manic symptoms and multiple sclerosis. Psychosomatics 1981;22:824–825.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
PRISMS Study Group. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of interferon beta-1a in relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. Lancet 1998;352:1498–1504.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Renault, P.F., Hoofnagie, J.H., Park, Y.et al. Psychiatric complications of long-term interferon Alpha therapy. Arch. Intern. Med. 1987;147:1577–1580.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ron, M.A., Logsdail, S.J.Psychiatric morbidity in multiple sclerosis: a clinical and MRI study. Psychol. Med. 1989;19:887–895.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Schafer, M., Boetsch, T., Laakman, G.Psychosis in a methadone-substituted patient during interferon Alpha treatment of hepatitis C. Addiction 2000;95:1101–1104.Google Scholar
Schiffer, R.B., Wineman, N.M., Weitkamp, L.R.Association between bipolar affective disorder and multiple sclerosis. Am. J. Psychiatry 1986;143:94–95.Google ScholarPubMed
Strite, D., Valentine, A.D., Meyers, C.A.Manic episodes in two patients treated with interferon Alpha. J. Neuropsychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 1997;9:273–276.Google ScholarPubMed
Taylor, M.W., Feng, G.S.Relationship between interferon-gamma, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, and tryptophan catabolism. FASEB J. 1991;5:2516–2522.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
The IFNB Multiple Sclerosis Study Group and the University of British Colombia MS/MRI Analysis Group. Interferon beta-1b in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: final outcome of the randomized control trial. Neurology 1995;45:1277–1285.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
The IFNB Multiple Sclerosis Study Group. Interferon beta-1b is effective in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. I. Clinical results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Neurology 1993;43:655–661.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Trask, P.C., Esper, P., Riba, M., Redman, B.Psychiatric side effects of interferon therapy: prevalence, proposed mechanisms and future directions. J. Clin. Oncol. 2000;18:2316–2326.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Valentine, A.D., Meyers, C.A., Kling, M.A., Richelson, E., Hauser, P.Mood and cognitive side effects of interferon-alpha therapy. Semin. Oncol. 1998;25(Suppl 1):39–47.Google ScholarPubMed
Van Thiel, D.H., Friedlander, L., Molloy, P.J., Fagiuoli, S., Kania, R.J., Caracceni, P.Interferon Alpha can be used successfully in patients with hepatitis C virus-positive chronic hepatitis who have a psychiatric illness. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 1995;7:165–168.Google ScholarPubMed
Verdier-Taillefer, M.H., Gourlet, V., Fuhrer, R., Alperovitch, A.Psychometric properties of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale in multiple sclerosis. Neuroepidemiology 2001;20:262–267.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Vermersch, P., de Seze, J., Stojkovic, T., Hautecoeur, P.Interferon beta 1a (Avonex®) treatment in multiple sclerosis: similarity of effects on progression of disability in patients with mild and moderate disability. J. Neurol. 2002;249:184–187.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Walther, E.U., Dietrich, E., Hohlfeld, R.Therapy of multiple sclerosis with interferon-beta-1b. Educating the patient and managing side-effects. Nervenarzt 1996;67:452–456.Google ScholarPubMed
Weiss, K.Safety profile of Interferon Alpha therapy. Semin. Oncol. 1998;25(Suppl 1):9–13.Google ScholarPubMed
Werner-Felmayer, G., Werner, E.R., Fuchs, D., Hausen, A., Reibnegger, G., Wachter, H.Tumour necrosis factor-alpha and lipopolysaccharide enhance interferon-induced tryptophan degradation and pteridine synthesis in human cells. Biol. Chem. Hoppe Seyler 1989;370:1063–1069.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
West van, D., Maes, M.Activation of the inflammatory response system: a new look at the etiopathogenesis of major depression. Neuroendocrinol. Lett. 1999;20:11–17.Google Scholar
Yong, V.W., Chabot, S., Stuve, O., Williams, G.Interferon beta in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: mechanisms of action. Neurology 1998;51:682–689.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Yong, V.W.Differential mechanisms of action of interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate in MS. Neurology 2002;59:802–808.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Yoshida, R., Urade, Y., Tokuda, M., Hayaishi, O.Induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in mouse lung during virus infection. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1979;76:4084–4086.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Zephir, H., De Seze, J., Stojkovic, T., Delisse, B., Ferriby, D., Cabaret, M., Vermersch, P.Multiple sclerosis and depression: influence of interferon beta therapy. Mult. Scler. 2003;9:284–288.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Zivadinov, R., Zorzon, M., Tommasi, M.A., Nasuelli, D., Bernardi, M., Monti-Bragadin, L., Cazzato, G.A longitudinal study of quality of life and side effects in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1a. J. Neurol. Sci. 2003;216:113–118.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Submit a response

Comments

No Comments have been published for this article.