Vivian: It is good to see you again, Sonia. From your BDI scores and some questions I've asked you, it seems that it is possible for you to experience depression during your treatment. There are two things we can do to help prevent you from becoming depressed, and I think it is best we talk about them. The two options are for you to see a mental health practitioner or to begin antidepressant medication before beginning treatment for hepatitis C. These would be the most effective ways of helping you get through the treatment.

Sonia: I don't like either of those options. I don't want to see a psychiatrist because I don't feel like I'm crazy, and I definitely don't want to take medication because you always read in the news or see on TV how bad the side effects are. Plus, I just don't want to deal with that.

Vivian: Those are valid concerns, Sonia, but it is important to realize that seeing a psychiatrist or therapist doesn't mean you are crazy. It simply means you are aware of what is going on enough to seek out help in managing depression. As for your concerns about antidepressant side effects, there are many different medications that we can try. If you have problem with one, we can always switch you to another. Also, we start with small doses and work up to give your body a chance to get used to the medication, which significantly lessens the side effects.