Infliximab-induced depression and Suicidal behaviour: a serious adverse
event to consider
Abstract
Infliximab (INF) is a biological widely used in the treatment of various
auto-immune diseases including Behçet’s disease. INF and other
pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been retained in some cases as a factor
in the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric conditions. Herein we
present the case of an adult man with Behçet’s disease (BD) who
developed acute depression leading to suicide after the fourth infusion
of infliximab. The patient did not experience disabling depressive
syndrome, or suicidal thoughts before. He has never made a prior suicide
attempt. He denied any previous episodes of mania or psychosis or a
history of trauma. Our patient received a serotonin reuptake inhibitor
with a good response which allowed us to maintain infliximab therapy.