Abstract

MIYAZAKI, Maria Cristina de Oliveira Santos et al. Tratment of hepatitis C: psychological symptoms and coping strategies. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2005, vol.1, n.1, pp. 119-128. ISSN 1808-5687.

Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver diseases, especially among young adults, between 30 and 40 years of age. The treatment currently available is a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin or peginterferon and ribavirin. It is associated with psychological symptoms and mental disorders, which may have a negative impact on the course of the disease, including treatment interruption. Depression, suicide ideation and post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the problems associated with the treatment. Psychologists have assessed these patients before, and during treatment, monitoring psychological symptoms and referring patients for psychological/psychiatric treatment whenever needed. A protocol used for psychological assessment of hepatitis C patients during medical treatment is presented. Coping strategies used by patients with (or without) psychological symptoms during medical treatment are also discussed.

Keywords : Hepatitis C; Psychological symptoms; Coping strategies.