Symptoms of anxiety and depression in liver-transplant patients

Introduction. We analyzed the influence of two variables (place of hospitalization of the patients and mental health of relatives) on anxiety and depression symptoms in liver-transplant patients. Methods. The subject groups were made up of 48 liver-transplant patients and 48 close relatives. The tests applied were a psychosocial questionnaire and the following instruments: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, The Leeds Scales for the Self-Assessment of Anxiety and Depression and Social Support Scale. Results. The liver-transplant patients showed more symptoms of depression when they were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and more symptoms of anxiety in the post-ICU phase when their close relatives were more depressed in that phase, as a result of receiving little social support. Conclusions. The place of hospitalization of the patients and the mental health of relatives influenced symptoms of anxiety and depression in liver-transplant patients.