Hepatitis B virus. Inappropriate reactions to transmission risks.
Ten patients designated as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers were screened for inappropriate reactions to their disease. Assessment with a 32-item questionnaire showed three carriers to have underreacted to the risks of HBsAg transmission through misunderstandings or denial concerning the disease. One carrier, through severe social withdrawal, showed overreaction to the possibilities of disease transmission. Counseling was provided regarding the risks of HBsAg transmission. At a one-month follow-up, all carriers appeared appropriately aware of the risks of transmission, and one of two carriers referred for psychotherapy showed greatly improved social adjustment. We recommend that persons treating HBsAg carriers screen routinely for inappropriate reactions to risks of disease transmission and provide counseling as needed.
D002353:Carrier State / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000635:transmission*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012306:Risk
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens