Discuss depression prevention strategies
Next, evaluate the patients for possible risks of developing depression during interferon therapy. These include:

•  BDI 6 - 18

•  Family history of depression or bipolar disorder

•  History of two or more psychiatric diagnoses

•  Past history of major depression

If patients meet one or more of the above criteria, they should be educated about possible neuropsychiatric side effects of antiviral therapies. In addition, clinicians may consider the following options:

•  Monitoring closely with the BDI (or other instrument).

•  Treating with antidepressants as symptoms occur (symptom-triggered treatment).

•  Initiating antidepressant therapy before interferon treatment begins, based on the likelihood that the patient's symptoms will become more severe (preemptive treatment).