A recent study examined the impact of integrated hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment on psychological distress among individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). Conducted as part of the INTRO-HCV trial, participants received either integrated or standard HCV treatment from 2017 to 2019. While integrated treatment showed a higher sustained virologic response (SVR) rate compared to standard treatment, psychological distress, measured by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10 (SCL-10), remained largely unchanged. Both treatment groups exhibited substantial psychological distress levels, with minimal variation observed over the treatment period.

The study suggests that despite the benefits of integrated treatment in terms of treatment initiation and SVR rates, it may not significantly impact psychological distress within the 12-week study timeframe. However, the study highlights the importance of integrated care approaches in addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals with SUD, potentially benefiting certain subgroups and contributing to improved overall quality of life.

Reference: Aas CF, Vold JH, Chalabianloo F, et al. Effect of integrated hepatitis C virus treatment on psychological distress in people with substance use disorders. Sci Rep. 2024 Jan 8;14(1):816. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-51336-9. PMID: 38191795; PMCID: PMC10774384.