The Relative Frequency of Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Hepatitis B Referring to Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan, Iran



Ataei B¹ ; Khorvash F¹ ; Salehi M² ; Houshmand S³ ; Kassaian N^{4, 5} ; Babak A^{4, 5} ; Nokhodian Z^{4, 5} ; Ataei M⁶
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2012

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is one of the common liver diseases. It also affects mental and social aspects of life. Methods: In this cross- sectional study, patients affected with chronic hepatitis B who referred to Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan, Iran were studied. After filling a validated questionnaire including demographics and information related to depression and anxiety, the data was analyzed. Findings: Among 107 patients with chronic hepatitis B (78 males and 29 females with mean age of 39 ± 13 years), none had depression and only 2.8% suffered from anxiety. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients with chronic hepatitis B do not have depression. One of the causes might be inadequate information about the disease. Such lack of information needs to be taken care of by physicians and authorities.