Psychosocial Issues and Mental Health Treatment Recommendations for Patients With Hepatitis C

BackgroundMental health needs of patients with HCV are increasingly being addressed in medical contexts.ObjectiveThe authors review the psychosocial issues relevant to patients with hepatitis C and provide mental health treatment recommendations.FindingsPatients with HCV are faced with a number of challenges, including adjustment to a chronic medical illness, management of symptoms and treatment side effects, and making and maintaining lifestyle changes. Given these issues, mental health clinicians have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to patient care.ConclusionAfter reviewing the relevant research on these psychosocial issues, the authors have identified areas in which clinicians can intervene; these include adjustment to having a chronic medical illness, coping with stigma and relationship changes, management of side effects, and implementing healthy lifestyle changes.