Answering the Patient's Question

"Why should I fill this form out?"
Vivian: I would like you to answer the questions on this three-page questionnaire that deals with symptoms of depression. It's very important we understand how you are feeling prior to starting your hepatitis C treatment. The treatment for hepatitis C might make symptoms of depression worse or bring on symptoms of depression in people who have no history of depression. We want to help manage any symptoms you may be having before starting treatment and establish a baseline to which we can compare your moods once you are on treatment. Before we review how to answer the questions, do you have any questions?

William: Yes I do. This seems like a test, and besides, I don't feel depressed. If I get a bad score, does it mean I can't have treatment?

Vivian: No, that is not why I am asking you to answer these questions. I want to understand how you are feeling now and be able to monitor you while you are on treatment. If your feelings start to change or become depressed, I want to be able to help you with that. If you should need treatment for depression, your responses to this questionnaire will help us monitor whether you are getting more depressed as a result of the treatment. Our goal is to help you make it through the interferon treatment, and there is a lot we can do to help you with depression.