What can I do to manage depression?
While it's true that a good referral system for expert consultation is important, there are many things a primary care provider or liver clinician can do to monitor for depression and to treat symptoms that are not severe. Having the proper tools to incorporate depression management into hepatitis C care can make the job easier.

I used to send all my patients to mental health practitioners for clearance before starting interferon. While I do still need outside help with some patients, I can assess most patients for depression before starting treatment and monitor them effectively while they are on therapy. I prescribe antidepressants and try to get symptoms under control before starting interferon in patients with significant baseline depression symptoms. I also prescribe antidepressants and help alleviate symptoms for patients who become depressed during treatment. Since depression makes patients feel so bad, it's gratifying to know that I (and you) can help to prevent and treat it.