[Psychological side effects during interferon-alpha therapy -- a case study].

Objective: Psychological side effects of the therapy with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) have frequently been reported. The symptomatology varies, although there seems to be a predominance of depressive complaints. Mediating somatopsychological vs. psychosomatic pathways remain unknown so far.
Patient: We describe the case of a 26-year old female inpatient suffering from hepatitis C infection. During medical treatment with interferon-alpha, a transfer to a psychosomatic unit became necessary due to increasing agitation, somatization and a lacking response to psychopharmacological medication.
Results: After the discontinuation of IFN-alpha-treatment, the patient's gradual emotional stabilization could be attained. In psychotherapy, inner conflicts as well as fears about possible side effects of the medication were worked through. After discharge, parallel to an ambulatory psychotherapy, the IFN-alpha medication was readministered and completed successfully.
Conclusions: As long as aetiology and mechanisms of psychic side effects of IFN-alpha-treatment remain unclear, ward-based integrative psychosomatic psychotherapy can be supportive and enlightening with regard to psychosocial factors of influence on the IFN-alpha-induced side effects.