ABSTRACT
Interferon-alpha combined with Ribavirin is currently the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C. although frequently effective, IFN-alpha induces has as series of psychiatric side effects responsible for the breakdown the treatment. Depression induced by IFN-alpha is the most common manifestation. It covers approximately one third of patients. Its symptoms are often overlooked during routine clinical interviews. For the diagnosis of this depression, it is recommended to use diagnostic tools such as the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-IV, translated and validated in Moroccan Arabic. The psychiatric evaluation before treatment, the initiation of antidepressant medication at the onset of the depressive episode and close monitoring of patients are needed to ensure safety and promote compliance to antiviral treatment. Although controversial, the preventive treatment with antidepressant medication might be beneficial for patients with significant depressive symptoms prior to antiviral therapy