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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).
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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

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