Young people with chronic illnesses have a higher probability of suffering from mental health problems than the general population, affecting the way they take care of themselves, a recent study has found. According to experts, adolescence in itself is a turbulent phase, and if an adolescent is suffering from any chronic ailment, the predicament could be worse.

According to a the study, published in the journal Liver Transplantation in October 2016, teens and young adults with chronic liver conditions tend to suffer from depression and anxiety, bringing considerable impacts on their emotional and physical health. It emphasized on a greater attention to the mental health of these young patients. The researchers conducted the study to unearth the prevalence of anxiety and depression in young people with chronic liver diseases.

The researchers examined 187 patients aged 16–25 who were attending an outpatient liver transition clinic in London. The clinic is a multidisciplinary service for young patients with a range of liver conditions, aiming to provide developmentally appropriate care and a smooth transition between pediatric and adult services. The patients were asked to complete an electronically-administered questionnaire. They were segregated into three groups:

1. those who had undergone liver transplantation

2. those suffering from autoimmune liver disease, and

3. those with other chronic liver conditions

Liver conditions and mental health

The researchers found a close relationship between liver conditions and mental health of the participants. Some of the key findings of the study were:

· Among all the patients, 17.7 percent were diagnosed for anxiety and depression. This is much higher than the general population which is 4 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

· No prominent differences were found between disease groups. Patients mostly blamed their distress to fatigue, sleep problems, financial crunches, problems at work or school, low self-esteem and worry.

· Anxiety and depression in the patients seemed to affect their feeling about how they were hit by their illnesses emotionally, and how much influence it had on their lives.

· It was also revealed that depression and anxiety did not have any significant relationship with patients’ perception and understanding of their illness or their beliefs on the amount of treatment which would be required.

“Health care professionals should be aware of the high prevalence of mental health problems in young people with liver conditions and routinely inquire about young people’s psychosocial circumstances as both can impact on their illness and outcome,” said lead researcher Marianne Samyn, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.H. and Anna Hames of King’s College Hospital.

“Interestingly, the most common concerns young people with liver conditions report — such as lethargy, problems with sleeping and money, and work- or school-related issues — are very similar to their peers and can be addressed by a multidisciplinary team looking after them.”

Such patients who suffer from liver conditions, as well as psychological issues, should go for a regular follow-up with doctors, both mental health and general physicians, so that symptoms can be managed and kept under control.

Coping with mental problems

Depression can come down hard on the sufferer. And if left untreated, the condition will only worsen, adding to the troubles in life. If depression is triggered by any physical ailment, addressing the problem becomes imminent. In such a situation, seeking help from any preeminent treatment center becomes paramount.

If a loved one grappling with any mental condition, like depression, contact Sovereign Mental Health Services, a major player in the mental treatment domain with centers located in major cities in the U.S., to avail our depression treatment programs in Los Angeles and other cities. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 866–973–7164 to avail services of any of our depression treatment centers in California for a long-term recovery.