Prevention of Depression With Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Chronic Carriers of Hepatitis C Treated With Interferon Alpha.

Prevention of Depression With Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Chronic Carriers of Hepatitis C Treated With Interferon Alpha.

The purpose of the study is to check whether development of depression as a side effect of interferon alpha treatment in chronic carriers of hepatitis C can be prevented by omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known as an alternative treatment for different conditions, including mental conditions, such as depression. We assume that combining omega-3 with the treatment by interferon alpha may prevent the development of depression, which is quite a common side effect of the interferon alpha.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic carriers of hepatitis C who start a course of interferon alpha treatment, and are treated in the liver clinic of Bnai Zion hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Disagreement to participation in trial.
• Diagnosed and active mental illness.
• Encephalopathic patients.
• Patients with limited ability to understand the questionnaires or the informed consent process.