Hepatitis C and Mental Health: A Global and Indian Scenario

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease which affects over 150 million individuals worldwide. Without treatment, one third of patients   will develop cirrhosis and complications of end-stage liver disease. In India, the majority of chronic liver disease and related deaths are attributable to hepatitis C. People with HCV infection are likely to have poorer health related quality of life, physical, mental, psychosocial and neuropsychiatric problems. These problems are challenges for management of HCV infection. Mental health treatment is considered crucial in the   overall management of HCV infection. A supportive environment and a nonjudgmental healthcare team are required for optimal medical and psychological management of patients with HCV. We present a comparison between mental health of patients with HCV infection in India and globally.