Emotional state, coping styles, and somatic variables in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
The authors in a cross-sectional study examined 113 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) without widely progressed or decompensated liver disease. The patients were investigated for emotional state (depression, anxiety, coping styles) and somatic/sociodemographic variables. A high percentage of patients had positive scores for depression (22.4%) and anxiety (15.2%). Mode of acquisition (e.g., former drug abuse) and histological grade of liver damage had no significant influence on emotional state or coping strategies. Older patients (> or = 50 years) were significantly more depressed (P = 0.024). Patients with a recently diagnosed CHC (> 4 weeks, < 6 months) had significantly lower scores for depression (P = 0.003) and anxiety (P = 0.001) than the subgroup with a time interval since initial diagnosis of more than 5 years. Recently diagnosed CHC patients also showed the highest levels of problem-solving behavior. Patients who were advised not to undergo an interferon therapy were significantly more depressed (P = 0.001) and anxious (P = 0.028). Older patients with CHC and patients with a long period since CHC diagnosis or who were advised not to undergo interferon therapy should be carefully and regularly assessed for depression, anxiety, and inappropriate coping styles.
Kraus
M R
MR
Medizinische Poliklinik, University of Würzburg, Germany. m.kraus@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Schäfer
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A
Csef
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Scheurlen
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Faller
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012803:Sick Role; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*