A cognitive therapy conceptualization of panic disorder exacerbated by interferon treatment

This case conference presents a patient with von Willebrand disease, receiving year-long interferon treatment for hepatitis C. She was referred to C-L Psychiatry following a severe exacerbation of panic disorder. Our guest interviewer is Dr. Craig White, a Scottish cognitive therapist. The subsequent discussion outlines the treatment challenges of panic disorder that occurs when a patient is receiving interferon. A literature review evaluates psychological effects of interferon and biological mechanisms by which interferon may exacerbate anxiety and depression. A cognitive therapy conceptualization of interferon-induced exacerbation of panic disorder is proposed.