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Approximately 40 million people in the United States suffer from anxiety or depression. If you are one of them, you know that anxiety and depression not only affect your mind, but they can take a toll on your body as well.
But how do these illnesses impact patients with liver disease? A study published in Gastroenterology in May 2015 evaluated whether clinical outcomes for patients with liver disease were negatively affected by psychological illnesses, namely depression and anxiety. Here’s what it found:
Researchers discovered that patients with high levels of distress, anxiety, or depression were more likely to die as a result of their liver disease than those without anxiety and depression. In fact, it was found that the risk of death was 26% higher among patients with liver disease who also experienced anxiety or depression. Here’s a short video featuring highlights from the study.
What you can do
If you have liver disease, take time to understand how psychological conditions can affect your disease and talk to your doctor if you have or feel you are at-risk for anxiety or depression. These self-care steps can also help:
- Stick to your treatment plan, even if you’re feeling well.
- Encourage your family to learn about depression and anxiety, and the impact it can have on your liver disease. If loved ones are more educated, they’ll have an easier time understanding and supporting you.
- Eat healthy, stay active and get plenty of sleep. Taking care of yourself is important for your physical and mental well-being.
How do you practice self-care?
HELPFUL LINKS
- Learn about liver transplant at Mayo Clinic.
- Explore Mayo’s Transplant Center.
- Request an appointment.
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