Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in Iranian Charity for Hepatic Patients Support (December 2004-August 2005)

More than 35% of Iranians have been exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and almost 3% are chronic carriers. Knowledge of HBV-related diseases and its chronicity, and insufficient knowledge about the transmission routes are predisposing factors for occurrence of psychological disorders among these patients. Self-administered CHQ28 questionnaire was used to find the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among 100 HBV carriers. We found depression in 30%, anxiety in 6%, functional impairment in 6%, and somatic abnormalities in 8% of HBV carriers. 36 patients had at least one psychiatric disorder. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among HBV carriers is higher than that of community. Psychiatric consultation after screening along with continuous education of patients and their families may improve this condition. Physical, psychological, spiritual and social support to HBV carriers is therefore of paramount importance.