Psychological health problems after liver transplantation at different time frames
J.H. Annema-de Jong, P.F. Roodbol, R.E. Stewart, R.J. Porte, A.V. Ranchor
Moderator(s): J. van den Ing en L. Maasdam
Location(s): Kleine Foyer
Category:
Background: After liver transplantation psychological health problems are common, and psychological functioning does often not restore to the level in the general population. However, most studies report on psychological health problems in the first five years after transplantation, less is known about the prevalence of these problems in the long run after transplantation. In this study prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress (PTSS) were examined at different time frames after transplantation, and compared to prevalence rates in the general population.
Methods/materials: A cross-sectional survey among 373 adult liver transplant recipients transplanted between 1979 and 2009 was performed in the spring of 2010. Data on psychological health problems were assessed by validated research instruments: the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Center of Epidemiological Studies- Depression scale, and the Self Rating Inventory of Posttraumatic stress. Based on time since transplantation four clinical relevant time frames were identified: short-term (0.5-2 years), intermediate short-term (2-5 years), intermediate long-term (5-15 years), and long-term (>15 years) after transplantation.
Results: The response rate was 75% (n=281).Overall, 33% of the respondents experienced clinical relevant symptom levels of psychological health problems, either one or in combination. Prevalence rates were anxiety 29%, depression 17%, and PTSS 10%.,However, these prevalence rates differed significantly between time frames. All psychological health problems were most prevalent at the short-term after transplantation (respectively:47%, 28% and 16%). Symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased after two years but increased at the long-term after transplantation. PTSS were most prevalent in the first five years after transplantation. Compared to the general population symptoms of anxiety were more prevalent at all time frames, depressive symptoms were more prevalent at the short-term and long-term after transplantation, and PTSS were more prevalent in the first 5 years after transplantation.
Conclusion: Not only in the short-term, but also at the long-term after transplantation a significant subset of liver transplant recipients encounter psychological health problems. Therefore routine screening of psychological health problems remains important.