title: An Aggravated Trajectory of Depression and Anxiety Co-morbid with Hepatitis C: A Within-groups Study of 61 Australian Outpatients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to explore the course of depression and anxiety in chronic hepatitis C patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were combined from two studies: (1) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores in 395 consecutive Australian outpatients from 2006 to 2010 formed the baseline measurement; and (2) Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) scores in a survey of a sub-sample of these patients in 2011 formed the follow-up measurement. After converting DASS to HADS scores, changes in symptom scores and rates of case-ness (≥8), and predictors of follow-up symptoms were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Follow-up data were available for 61 patients (70.5% male) whose age ranged from 24.5 to 74.6 years (M=45.6). The time to follow-up ranged from 20.7 to 61.9 months (M=43.8). Baseline rates of depression (32.8%) and anxiety (44.3%) increased to 62.3% and 67.2%, respectively. These findings were confirmed, independent of the conversion, by comparing baseline HADS and follow-up DASS scores with British community norms. Baseline anxiety and younger age predicted depression, while baseline anxiety, high school non-completion, and single relationship status predicted anxiety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated a worsening trajectory of depression and anxiety. Further controlled and prospective research in a larger sample is required to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Australia;
authors.forename: Benjamin J R
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Australia;
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Turnbull
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, United Kingdom;
authors.forename: Antonina A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mikocka-Walus
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Harley
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia; ; Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Jane M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Andrews
keywords: Anxiety; depression; hepatitis C; prognosis; trajectory.