Depressive symptoms are frequent among drug users, but not associated with hepatitis C infection. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madsen, Lone W.; Fabricius, Thilde; Hjerrild, Simon; Hansen, Thomas M.; Mössner, Belinda K.; Birkemose, Inge; Skamling, Merete; Christensen, Peer B.
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of infectious diseases. Volume 46:Number 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 566
• Page End: 572
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2014.918274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-5548

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Aim:</italic> To compare the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among drug users with and without hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. <italic>Methods:</italic> This was a cross-sectional survey study carried out at the 2 major drug treatment centres on the island of Funen, Denmark. Participants were drug users presenting to the 2 treatment centres. Individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus or HIV infection were excluded. Participants completed the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) questionnaire when presenting at the centres. Patients with MDI scores indicating severe depression (total MDI score ≥ 35) were referred for treatment evaluation. Hepatitis C status was classified by the presence of anti-HCV as a marker of HCV exposure and HCV-RNA as a marker of ongoing infection. <italic>Results:</italic> Two hundred and sixty-eight patients were included, of whom 235 (88%) had complete serological testing; 100 (43%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 36–49%) had chronic hepatitis C. The median MDI score was 22 (interquartile range 12–33); 32% (95% CI 26–39%) had a score compatible with depression and 14% (95% CI 10–19%) were rated as severe depression. Depression was not associated with hepatitis C (HCV-infected 29%, non-infected 35%; <italic>p</italic> = 0.25). Forty-one percent (11/27) of the evaluated participants started antidepressant treatment. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> Our study demonstrated a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among drug users, but this was not more frequent among HCV-infected patients. The high overall prevalence of depression underlines the relevance of screening for depression in patients who are drug users.</p> </abstract>