Neurobehavioral Correlates of Chronic Hepatitis C

The importance of fatigue cognitions in chronic hepatitis C infection

“…Fatigue is among the leading patient-reported symptoms in chronic HCV infection [4,5]. In qualitative studies, patients described fatigue as the most concerning symptom of their illness and in quantitative reports fatigue was the second most common patient-reported outcome measure of the infection [5].…”

Neuropsychological Complications of HIV Disease and Substances of Abuse

“…As such, understanding the neuropsychology of HIV disease can provide insight into improving mental health, functional capacity and overall quality of life for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, by comprehending neuropsychological complications, clinicians may be better able to help HIV-infected patients manage their symptoms, which, in turn, may increase the number of patients who are able to maintain difficult treatment schedules [2] . In addition, a comprehension of the scope of the neuropsychology of HIV disease, including the potentially exacerbating effects of substance abuse on related cognitive processes and functioning, is important for the enhanced evaluation and management of patients living with both HIV/AIDS and substance abuse disorders.…”

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Hepatitis C

“…Results of a study comparing symptoms of subjective cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and fatigue to cognitive testing (visuoconstruction, learning, memory, visual attention, psychomotor speed, and mental flexibility) revealed that a significant number of HCV patients experienced cognitive difficulties (Hilsabeck et al, 2003). An indirect effect of HCV on brain functioning resulting in the production of secondary cytokines may also affect cognitive functioning (Hilsabeck & Malek-Ahmadi, 2004).…”

“…Fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfunction are among the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms reported by patients with chronic hepatitis C (Hilsabeck & Malek-Ahmadi, 2004). A greater number of female patients, including those with active medical comorbidities, and those with baseline mood disorders had been found to develop more serious neuropsychiatric symptoms (Fontana, Schwartz, Gebremariam, Lok, & Moyer, 2002).…”