Liver disease, increased COVID-19 mental health worry
During the pandemic, 40% of people with liver disease worried about their mental health, according to the British Liver Trust.
“The pandemic has been an extremely testing time for everyone, but particularly for those people with a chronic health condition which affects the immune system such as liver disease,” Pamela Healy, OBE, chief executive at the British Liver Trust, said in a press release.
In a survey of 678 people with liver disease in the United Kingdom, many reported that isolation, ‘cabin fever,’ being unable to work and anxiety about becoming sick factored into their mental health, which had deteriorated over the past year.
“People in the U.K. with liver disease often have to deal with late diagnosis, varying levels of patient care as well as the stigma surrounding their condition,” Healy said. “Add to this the health, social and financial effects of the pandemic and it’s no surprise such a large proportion have been concerned about their mental health.”
The British Liver Trust plans to use these results to inform ongoing support, policy consultations and committee evidence for the liver disease community.
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