Neuropsychiatric complications of injection-associated diseases: Hiv and hepatitis C

Jeffrey Rado*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Intravenous use of illicit substances increases the risk for transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both of these infections develop into chronic medical conditions with high morbidity and mortality. HIV and HCV may lead to significant neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive complications, including depression, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and cognitive impairment. Mental health providers need to be aware of these syndromes to initiate prompt evaluation and treatment. Furthermore, antiretroviral medications for HIV and direct-acting antivirals for HCV have their own neuropsychiatric side effects. Pegylated interferon for the treatment of hepatitis C, in particular, is strongly associated with depression. Finally, one must vigilantly monitor for possible drug-drug interactions when these agents are administered with psychotropic medications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)38-44
Number of pages7
JournalPsychiatric Annals
Volume47
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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