The Role of Alexithymia in Quality of Life Impairment in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C During Antiviral Treatment

This study aimed to investigate the role of alexithymia in the quality of life of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with antiviral therapy. A consecutive sample of 124 patients were evaluated at baseline, during, and 6 months after treatment with interferon and ribavirin. At baseline past mood disorders and alexithymia and, at each index visit, adverse events, psychological distress, and disease-specific quality of life were assessed with validated instruments. Patients with past mood disorders and alexithymia had impaired levels of quality of life, psychological distress, and treatment-related adverse events.
Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research