Depression is a common side effect of interferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of paroxetine, an antidepressant agent, in the prevention of depression induced by PEG-interferon given for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of paroxetine, an antidepressant agent, in the prevention of depression induced by PEG-interferon given for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. This is a comparative study including two groups of patients randomly allocated : one with paroxetine and the other with the placebo. The rate of depression will be compared between the 2 groups

Inclusion Criteria:

- Chronic hepatitis C which should be treated by PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin with no contra-indication to anti-viral treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to paroxetine
• Current antidepressant treatment
• Depression diagnosed by the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI, DSM IV)
• History of bipolar syndrome
• History of psychotic syndrome
• Treatment by triptan, carbamazepine, millepertuis, methadone, oral anticoagulation
• Renal insufficiency
• HIV infection
• Breath feeding
• Contra-indication to PEG-interferon and or ribavirin