Psychosocial issues and mental health treatment recommendations for patients with hepatitis C.
BACKGROUND
Mental health needs of patients with HCV are increasingly being addressed in medical contexts.


OBJECTIVE
The authors review the psychosocial issues relevant to patients with hepatitis C and provide mental health treatment recommendations.


RESULTS
Patients with HCV are faced with a number of challenges, including adjustment to a chronic medical illness, management of symptoms and treatment side effects, and making and maintaining lifestyle changes. Given these issues, mental health clinicians have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to patient care.


CONCLUSIONS
After reviewing the relevant research on these psychosocial issues, the authors have identified areas in which clinicians can intervene; these include adjustment to having a chronic medical illness, coping with stigma and relationship changes, management of side effects, and implementing healthy lifestyle changes.
VA Boston Healthcare System, Psychology Service (116B), 150 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130, USA. amy.silberbogen@va.gov
Amy K
AK
Silberbogen
Erin W
EW
Ulloa
E Amy
EA
Janke
DeAnna L
DL
Mori
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005791:Patient Care / Q000379:methods; D011584:Psychology; D014481:United States