This evidence based qualitative research study was conducted because of my two clients (Mr and Mrs Jones), who were both diagnosed with hepatitis B in 2009. In addition to their health problems, Mrs Jones was depressed and treated for Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD) and takes psychotropic medication.
Hepatitis is a disease of the liver that can be caused by many things including viral infection that can result in temporary or permanent damage to the liver. Many people who get sick from Hepatitis A or B just cannot pinpoint when or how they were exposed to one these disease-causing virus. In other words, they don't remember doing anything wrong that will put them at risk.
There are many risk factors that can increase the chances of becoming infected with Hepatitis A and / or Hepatitis B.
1. Live with or have close intimate contact with an infected person, and or..
2. Expose to areas where infections maybe common: For example, but not limited to - contact with infected person, work in healthcare or public safety, having more that one sexual partner in 4-6 months, have or have had untreated sexually transmitted disease.
HEPATITIS A is transmitted from person to person or through contaminated food or water. One of the most common ways that hepatitis A is transmitted is through poor personal hygiene, such as not washing hands after using the bathroom etc. After being infected with hepatitis A virus, a person may not begin to feel ill for about 4 weeks. Hepatitis A infection may cause fever, weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. The skin may turn yellow, a condition called jaundice. Symptoms are usually absent or mild in children and severe in adults. Most people feel better within 2 months, but for some people the illness may last longer.
HEPATITIS B is transmitted through activities that cause contact with infectious blood or body fluids. These include unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing of needles for injections, working in the health care field, receiving a transfusion of unscreened infected blood, and medical, dental, or cosmetic procedures with unsterilized contaminated equipment. After being infected with hepatitis B virus, a person may not begin to feel sick for about one to 5 months. The symptoms are similar to those of Hepatitis A. Most people feel better in about 6-8 weeks. However, in some people the symptoms of hepatitis B infection may last longer than 12 months. According to Epidemiology and prevention, centers for disease control and prevention (2007), about one in 20 people who have hepatitis B infection develops a chronic infection, which can be serious or create severe health problems.
TREATMENT
There is no medication to treat acute Hepatitis A or B infection, but it is important to seek medical care and follow good general health measure, including healthful diet, exercises, plenty of fluids, and stressfree.
In psychotherapy for instance, 'cognitive behavioral therapy' (CBT) is been tested as the most effective treatment for the conditions of anxiety or depression. In this case, as a psychotherapist, I used CBT to treat Mr and Mrs Jones as a couple to challenge negative thoughts and empowered positive self regards. The CBT is as effective as antidepressants for anxiety and depression, it can help change how you think--Cognitively, and what you do---Behaviorally. These changes can help you feel better on how you think about yourself - HEALING !
THIS IS AN ONGOING EVIDENCE BASED RESEARCH STUDY FOR HEPATITIS (A) AND HEPATITIS (B) IN CLINICAL PSYCHOTHERAPY (all rights reserved)
Dr. Fenny Braide
Psychotherapist & MH Consultant
Former IBHC Lead Clinician, lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
