Severity of depression in patinets of hepatitis c versus controls

Objective: To assess and compare the severity of depression, in cases of hepatitis C and matching controls; before initiation of interferon therapy Study Design: Case control study, Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital, Muzaffarabad from 1st April 2009 to 31st August 2011. Patients and Methods: After informed consent from participants, 190 consecutive cases of Hepatitis C (PCR positive), who had not yet received interferon therapy, along with 200 controls (PCR negative); were included in the study. Participants were not communicated the report of PCR status, before measurement of depression. Demographic data was recorded and diagnosis and severity of depression was determined with international classification for diseases (ICD-10) depression criteria and Beck Depressive Inventory (BDI-21). Results: The mean age of Hepatitis C patients (n=190) was 35.5+12.708 with range of 14 to 57 years, while that of control subjects (n=200) was 37.5 (SD = 10.945) with range of 17 to 60 years. Out of 190 cases, 67 (35.3%) had scores in moderate to severe range of depression (20-63), while 123 (64.7%) had scores in minimal to mild range. On the other hand, amongst 200 control subjects 30(15%) had scores had scores in moderate to severe range (20-63), while 170(85%) had scores in minimal to mild range (0-19). Conclusion: Compared to control subjects, the severity of depression is high in case of Hepatitis C; even before interferon therapy. (author)