The Bidirectional Relationship Between Mental Health Disorders and Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv) Among Drug Users

Background People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are disproportionately affected by both Mental Health Disorders (MHD) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Research indicates that individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) have an HCV prevalence of approximately 8%, while nearly 40% of drug users report conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. There is a dearth of knowledge on the intersection of HCV, MHD, and substance abuse. Methods This narrative literature review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed research examining the bidirectional relationship between mental health disorders and HCV among PWUD. Studies were identified using targeted keyword searches across multiple databases, focusing on co-occurrence, prevalence, treatment outcomes, and risk factors. Results Mental health conditions contribute to increased HCV risk by promoting risky behaviors such as needle sharing and reduced adherence to HCV treatment. Conversely, HCV negatively affects mental health via biological mechanisms like neuroinflammation and the psychological burden of chronic illness. Integrated treatment models addressing both mental health and HCV show improved adherence and outcomes, though evidence remains limited. Conclusions There is an urgent need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to treatment that address both mental health disorders and HCV among drug users. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies, focus on underrepresented populations, and evaluate the effectiveness of integrated care models.