Anger experiences among hepatitis C patients: relationship to depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life

Psychosomatics. 2007 May-Jun;48(3):223-9. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.48.3.223.

Abstract

The authors examined anger among hepatitis C (HCV) patients and its relationship to health-related quality of life (HRQL) and depression. Eighty-seven HCV patients who received pegylated interferon-alpha(2b) and ribavirin were included. Patients' mean age was 48 years; 42% were women, and 60% were white. Patients experienced moderate anger while undergoing HCV treatment. Angry feelings increased during treatment in some domains, specifically, Control Over Anger and Angry Reaction. Greater anger was associated with more depression and poorer HRQL. Findings point to the importance for physicians to screen for a wide range of neuropsychiatric side effects of interferon, including anger.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anger / drug effects*
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Cohort Studies
  • Depressive Disorder / chemically induced
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Ribavirin / administration & dosage
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Ribavirin
  • peginterferon alfa-2b