ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

PREVALENCE IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) is a leading health issue for Pakistan.
Other than the late complications of chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular
carcinoma, a high frequency of anxiety and mood-disorder related symptoms has been
described. Objective: To evaluate the morbidity Chronic Hepatitis C causes in the form of anxiety
and depression in the affected individuals. Study Design: Observational, cross-sectional study.
Setting: Medical Outdoor in Ibn-e-Sina Hospital, Multan. Period: 1st October 2014 to 1st March
2015. Methodology: In patients presenting with Chronic Hepatitis C and evaluated them for
the presence of anxiety and depression using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score. We found
high prevalence of anxiety (36.6%) and Depression (29.2%) in the study population. The study
population consisted of 281 patients with CHC (175 males---62.3% and 106 females-----37.7 %,
mean age 39.3 ± 11.3). Results: Out of 281 patients, 94 (33.4%) were in the age group from
16-30 years, 104 (37%) in the age group 31-45 years whereas 68 (24.2%) were from the age
group 40-60 years. Patients with were 103 (36.6%), while 178 patients were normal. Patients
with depression were 82 (29.2%). Conclusion: Chronic Hepatitis C is associated with high
percentage of anxiety and depression in the affected individuals and adds to the morbidity of
the disease.