DAAs for HCV Infection Have Minimal Impact on Depressive Symptoms in Patients with PTSD

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics has investigated the impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on depressive symptoms in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The study found that DAAs had a minimal impact on depressive symptoms in patients with PTSD, with no significant differences between treatment groups.

The researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 873 patients with PTSD receiving DAAs for HCV infection at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The patients were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a patient-reported outcome measure with a range of 0-27, to evaluate depressive symptoms before and after DAA treatment. The results showed that adjusted baseline PHQ-9 scores were consistent with mild depression and similar across groups. Adjusted change in PHQ-9 score was also minimal and did not differ across groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • 873 patients with PTSD and HCV infection were analyzed in the study.
  • DAAs had a minimal impact on depressive symptoms in patients with PTSD, with no significant differences between treatment groups.
  • Adjusted baseline PHQ-9 scores ranged from 10.5 to 10.9 across groups.
  • Adjusted change in PHQ-9 score was minimal, ranging from -2.0 to -2.2 across groups.
  • The adjusted frequency of 5-point change was low, ranging from 18.9% to 26.6% across groups.

Statistics:

  • 873 patients with PTSD and HCV infection were analyzed in the study.
  • Adjusted baseline PHQ-9 scores:

+ GLE/PIB: 10.5 ± 7.2

+ LDV/SOF: 10.6 ± 7.2

+ SOF/VEL: 10.9 ± 7.2

  • Adjusted change in PHQ-9 score:

+ GLE/PIB: -2.0 ± 5.8

+ LDV/SOF: -1.1 ± 6.5

+ SOF/VEL: -2.2 ± 6.1

  • Adjusted frequency of 5-point change:

+ GLE/PIB: 22.4%

+ LDV/SOF: 18.9%

+ SOF/VEL: 26.6%

Sources:

  • Comparative Effectiveness of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Clinical Therapeutics, 2025.
  • Clinical Therapeutics. Elsevier, 685 Route 202-206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Clinical Therapeutics - www.journals.elsevier.com/clinical-therapeutics/)
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont.