Time to Rethink Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis C in Patients with Coexisting Mental Health/substance Abuse Issues

Background: A new era has dawned in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) virus with the use of direct-acting antiviral medications augmenting combination therapy. Unfortunately, the significant impact of improvements may not be realized if antiviral treatment is not expanded to include a larger proportion of patients, many of whom have coexisting mental health and/or substance abuse issues and have been historically deferred from treatment.

Methods: We reviewed the extent literature on HCV treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

Results: A number of empirically-based arguments exist in favor of treating HCV-infected individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse issues within the context of multidisciplinary team approaches. Integrated, collaborative, or hybrid models of care are just a few examples of multidisciplinary approaches that can combine the care of HCV treating providers with mental health and/or addictions providers to safely and effectively treat these patients. Collectively, these arguments and the empirical evidence that supports them, provides a strong rationale for why expanding antiviral therapy to these patients is critical and timely.

Conclusions: A decade of evidence suggests that HCV-infected individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse issues can safely and effectively undergo antiviral treatment when delivered through multidisciplinary care settings. Multidisciplinary approaches that combine HCV treating providers with mental health, addictions, and other support systems can facilitate preparation and successful treatment of these patients on antiviral therapy.