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Hepatitis C virus and depression in drug users
M E Johnson1, D G Fisher, A Fenaughty
1IVDU Project, Department of Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage 99508, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 13, 1998
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to higher rates of depression in drug users, suggesting a coexisting depressive syndrome. This may explain some depression observed during interferon treatment for HCV.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Hepatology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant public health concern, particularly among drug users.
- Depression has been anecdotally linked to interferon treatment for HCV, but the causal relationship is unclear.
- Pre-existing depression may confound the assessment of interferon's side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of depressive symptomatology in drug users with and without HCV infection.
- To determine if depression is a coexisting condition with HCV infection, independent of interferon treatment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 309 drug users not in treatment was recruited.
- Participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale.
- Blood samples were tested for HCV antibodies.
Main Results:
- Over half (52.4%) of the participants tested positive for HCV antibodies.
- HCV-positive individuals showed significantly higher rates of depressive symptomatology (57.2%) compared to HCV-negative individuals (48.2%).
- HCV-positive subjects scored lower on Positive Affect and higher on Somatic/Retarded Activity.
Conclusions:
- Drug users exhibit high rates of depression, and HCV infection may be associated with a coexisting depressive syndrome.
- Pre-existing depression in HCV-positive individuals could contribute to the depression observed during interferon treatment.
- Further research is required to elucidate the complex relationship between HCV, depression, and interferon treatment.