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Depressive and Anxious Symptoms in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients Receiving DAA-Based Therapy

Claudia Monica Danilescu1, Daniela Larisa Sandulescu2, Mihail Cristian Pirlog3

  • 1Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapies significantly reduced anxiety and depression in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. This study shows a notable decrease in psychological symptoms following DAA treatment, improving patient well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Psychiatry
  • Virology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver disease, including advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • HCV is also associated with significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression.
  • Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapies have revolutionized HCV treatment, offering high cure rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of DAA therapies on anxious and depressive symptoms in HCV-infected patients.
  • To assess the relationship between DAA treatment and the psychological burden of liver disease.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 90 HCV patients (96.67% with F3-F4 fibrosis) was studied.
  • Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline (BSL), end of treatment (EOT), and sustained viral response (SVR).
  • Comorbidities and DAA side effects were also analyzed for their influence on psychological outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Depressive symptoms decreased from 21.11% at BSL to 1.11% at SVR (p < 0.00001).
  • Anxious symptoms decreased from 43.34% at BSL to 4.44% at SVR (p < 0.00001).
  • DAA side effects significantly influenced HADS scores, while comorbidities did not show a significant interaction.

Conclusions:

  • DAA therapy leads to a significant reduction in depressive and anxious symptoms in HCV patients.
  • The psychological burden associated with HCV infection can be effectively managed with DAA treatment.
  • Monitoring and managing DAA side effects may be important for optimizing psychological outcomes.

Keywords:
Direct Acting AntiviralsHepatitis C virusanxietydepressionfibrosissustained virological response

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