Anxiety and depression levels in interferon using and non using hepatitis C patients

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to compare the depression and anxiety levels in interferon using and non-using groups of patients with hepatitis C. Method: In this case control study, 55 Hepatitis C patients of 40 using interferon and 15 nonuser were applied Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) Scale and Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) Scale at first crosss sectional psychiatric evaluation. Results: Frequencey of anxiety disorders and depression was found significantly higher in interferon using group than nonuser group. When compared scale scores; HAM-A and HAM-D scores were signicantly higher in interferon using group than nonuser group. Discussion: In this study, significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms were found in interferon using patient group than nonuser group. Physicians should be aware of psychiatric complications during interferon treatment.