title: Anxiety and depression in Australian chronic hepatitis C outpatients: prevalence and predictors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression in Australian chronic hepatitis C (CHC) outpatients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores at referral and other patient data was analysed for 395 CHC outpatients attending the Royal Adelaide Hospital liver clinic from 2006 to 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results revealed probable prevalence rates of 41% for anxiety and 27% for depression. CHC patients had rates of anxiety and depression 1.2 and 2.4 times higher than community norms, respectively. Younger patients were found to experience increased anxiety, while married patients or those in a de facto relationship experienced decreased anxiety and depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regular psychiatric screening, and subsequent referral for mental health treatment, where necessary, is recommended for Australian CHC patients. Younger patients or those lacking social supports may be at increased risk. Research is needed to develop and evaluate psychological interventions.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia. benjamin.j.stewart@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Antonina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mikocka-Walus
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Colman
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Phelps
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Harley
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Andrews
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors