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Psychiatric comorbidity among hepatitis C-positive patients

S P Yovtcheva1, M A Rifai, J K Moles

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Virginia/Roanoke-Salem Psychiatric Medicine Program, Salem, VA, USA.

Psychosomatics
|December 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C patients, particularly veterans, show higher rates of psychiatric disorders like mood, personality, and PTSD. Awareness is crucial as these conditions can impact hepatitis C treatment and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant public health concern, especially within veteran populations.
  • Co-occurring psychiatric disorders are increasingly recognized as a complicating factor in managing chronic infections.
  • Understanding the prevalence of mental health conditions in HCV patients is vital for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among hepatitis C-positive patients at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
  • To identify specific types of psychiatric conditions commonly found in this patient cohort.
  • To highlight the need for integrated mental health services in hepatitis C management.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for 306 randomly selected hepatitis C-positive veterans.
  • Assessment for past and present psychiatric disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria.
  • Independent confirmation of psychiatric diagnoses using recorded symptoms and DSM-IV criteria.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of mood disorders (38%), personality disorders (30%), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (19%), and psychotic disorders (17%).
  • Alcohol use disorders were highly prevalent (86%), while intravenous drug use disorders were less common (28%).
  • Prevalence rates of these psychiatric disorders were notably higher than in the general population.

Conclusions:

  • Veterans with hepatitis C exhibit a substantial burden of psychiatric comorbidities.
  • Commonly observed disorders include mood, anxiety, personality, and psychotic disorders.
  • Psychiatric conditions can significantly influence the course and treatment efficacy of hepatitis C, necessitating clinician awareness and integrated care approaches.

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