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Emotional State, Coping Styles, and Somatic Variables in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C

Received September 21, 1999; revised December 1, 1999; accepted February 4, 2000. From the Medizinische Poliklinik and the Institute of Psychotherapy and Medical Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Address reprint requests to Dr. Kraus, Medizinische Poliklinik, University of Würzburg, Klinikstrasse 6–8, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; e-mail: m.kraus{at}mail.uni-wuerzburg.de

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 (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.

Key Words: Hepatitis • Depression • Anxiety

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