Background Depression, a common side effect of interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, is closely associated with antiviral dosage reduction, discontinuation and failure of treatment.Several randomized controlled trials have been conducted to prevent interferon-associated depression with antidepressants; however, their Conclusions are contradictory.Aim To perform a meta-analysis to assess the prophylactic effect of antidepressants on interferon-associated depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C.