Comparison of the level of depression and anxiety in inactive hepatitis B carriers and chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative contribution of chronic illness and the physical effects such illness on the mental status of chronic hepatitis B patients by comparing them to inactive hepatitis B carriers, based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) scores. Materials and Methods: The study included 444 participants: 249 HBsAg-positive inactive carriers (IC group) and 195 chronic hepatitis B patients (CH group) that were undergoing follow-up at Adiyaman University Research and Education Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases Department. HBV carrier status and chronic hepatitis B were diagnosed based on European Association for the Study of Liver (EASL) guidelines. The HDRS and HARS were administered to all the participants via psychiatric interview. Results: The overall mean HDRS score was 6.2 ± 8 and the overall mean HARS score was 6.0 ± 7.1. Mean HDRS score in the IC group was 7.5 ± 5.8, versus 8.8 ± 6.6 in the CH group; the difference was significant (P = 0.037). Mean HARS score were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). There wasn't a difference in anxiety or depression scores based on participants'gender or age (P > 0.05). Additionally, there wasn't a correlation between duration of illness, and family history of hepatitis or cirrhosis, or anxiety or depression scores (P > 0.05). Anxiety scores were higher among the participants with comorbidity, in both CHB and IC groups(P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively). Depression scores were higher among the IC group participants with comorbidity (P = 0.003). that can occur during the treatment and follow-up of chronic hepatitis patients. The presence of comorbidity in chronic hepatitis patients increases the risk of psychiatric complications. Conclusion: Psychiatric comorbidity, particularly anxiety and depression, are important problems.