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Facts about hepatocellular carcinoma
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Around 1 billion people in the world have some type of mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organizationi. Moreover, about 1.5 billion people are living with some type of chronic liver diseaseii. So, it won’t be surprising to learn that these two conditions can coexist, and you may even wonder if liver damage can cause mental issues. Read on to learn more about the connections between liver diseases and mental health, as well as some tips for prevention and treatment that can help improve quality of life.
What Are the Different Liver Diseases?
There are a variety of different liver diseases, some caused by viruses, while others may be brought on by various lifestyle factors. Let’s break them down:
- Hepatitis A. This is a viral infection known to cause inflammation and disease of the liver. It’s generally a short-term infection, and it can get better on its own.
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Hepatitis B. This one is also a viral infection that causes inflammation and disease of the liver, and it can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute cases are short-term, while chronic cases are more long-lasting.
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Hepatitis C. Similar to hepatitis B, hepatitis C can also be short or long term. Without appropriate diagnosis and treatment, though, hepatitis C can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer.
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Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), this one may have few or even no symptoms, but is thought to affect around 30% of the adult population, worldwide.
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MetALD. Short for metabolic alcoholic liver disease, This is damage to the liver caused by excessive alcohol use.
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Wilson’s disease. Wilson’s disease is a genetic condition that prevents the body from removing excessive deposits of copper, which can negatively impact liver function.
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Hemochromatosis. Another hereditary condition, hemochromatosis refers to a condition where iron levels build up over time and ultimately lead to liver problems.
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Primary liver tumors. Primary cancer refers to the place in the body where the cancer starts growing. When it comes to primary liver tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form.
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Secondary liver tumors. Secondary liver tumors refer to cancers that started elsewhere in the body and have spread to the liver. Secondary cancers can be called metastases, and they can originate in the breast, bowel, pancreas, lung, stomach, or ovary.
What Are Mental Health Disorders?
The way you think, feel, behave, and even your mood are all governed by your brain. And, when something is off, or you’re struggling to function normally, it may be the result of a mental health disorder.
Mental health disorders cover a wide spectrum of issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others.
So, what causes mental health disorders? The answers are also varied, and can include:
- Genetics and family history
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
- Conditions like cancer
- Liver disease
- Or feelings of loneliness or isolation.
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What Is the Connection Between Liver Diseases and Mental Health Disorders?
The liver governs so many different bodily functions, it’s important to realise that it plays a role in mental health, just as much as physical health. One function that you may be familiar with is the ability of the liver to cleanse toxins from the blood and body. Another important function is storing and releasing energy. If these two functions aren’t working at their fullest capacity, several mental health issues can start to crop up.3
Let’s look at a few specific connections between liver diseases and mental health issues:
- Mood. A recent study estimates that among patients with liver diseases surveyed, around 17% of them reported extended periods of major depression4. Symptoms to look out for include low mood for two or more weeks, low motivation, social withdrawal, and even suicidal thoughts.3
- Cognitive health. According to the Canadian Liver Foundationiii, cognitive health is directly related to liver health. This means that the build-up of toxins that can happen when a person has a liver disease can cause chemical imbalances in the brain. The results? Difficulty with memory, concentration, and attention , which is known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE).3
- Alcohol misuse. Misusing alcohol can lead to brain and liver damage. While alcohol is known to lead to liver damage, it’s also responsible for damaging your mental state, causing things like poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and even, ultimately, dementia.3
- Sleep problems. We all appreciate a good night’s sleep, and so does your liver. Getting enough (and good quality sleep) helps keep your body rested and healthy and enables it to function properly. When you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to depression, anxiety, poor moods, and difficulty concentrating throughout the day. When liver disease sets in, it can mean the beginning of some of the cognitive problems described above and a possible decline in your mental health.3
How Does Hepatic Encephalopathy Impact Mental Health?
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) can have a significant impact on mental health, both for the person suffering from the condition, and the people around them.5
Because HE refers to neurological or cognitive impact on people with liver diseases, it’s possible that some patients may not be aware that they have a liver disease, or if they do, they may not be aware that their liver function can have such an impact on their quality of life.5
Some possible symptoms of HE include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Impaired balance or coordination
- Attention problems
- Muscle twitches or spasms
- Slurred speech
People with HE in a recent study conducted in Spain found that their mental health and social interactions suffered as a result of HE5, and feelings of sorrow, fear, disorientation, and trauma were common.5
What Are the Mental Health Challenges for Patients with Liver Diseases?
Depression and anxiety (as well as substance abuse issues) are among the most common mental health challenges for people with chronic liver diseases6, with anxiety reportedly affecting around one third of patients and depression affecting as many as two thirds.iv
And, unfortunately, there seems to be a correlation between worsening liver conditions and mental health issues.6
More research is needed, but it is thought that integrated care, in which healthcare providers work toward finding integrated solutions and treatments for both liver diseases and mental health disorders, is the key to better quality of life for patients.6
How Do Mental Health Disorders Impact Liver Disease Progression?
One common mental health factor that often goes with liver disease is alcohol or substance abuse. Specifically, when it comes to the hepatitis C virus, misusing alcohol can accelerate the progression of this particular liver disease.
It’s also important to mention that treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can go a long way toward improving a person’s mood, making them feel more connected to those around them, and helping them be more motivated to monitor their health and follow prescribed treatment plans.3
How to Treat Liver Diseases and Mental Disorders
It’s best to talk to your doctor about your specific type of liver disease and if there are any overlapping mental health issues you are concerned about.
A method known as integrated care has shown positive outcomes for some patients with chronic illnesses. In integrated care, your physician will take a holistic approach to managing your liver disease as well as your mental health disorder. This may involve mental health therapy and medications, in addition to medical treatment for your liver disease6. Integrated care also involves a collaboration between your physician or gastroenterologist and your mental health professional to help you manage your liver disease and mental health simultaneously.
There are two important nutrients that can help protect the liver – choline and essential phospholipids.
Choline is a naturally occurring nutrient found in many foods, and it’s also available as a dietary supplement, in the form of Essentiale Proactive. Choline is produced naturally in the liver, but generally, humans need a bit more than the liver can provide on its own, and that’s where choline-rich food sources and supplements come in.
Choline is an important part of a healthy metabolism, and, importantly, choline specifically helps with liver function by helping to prevent liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and other health issues associated with a fatty liver.
Essentiale Forte P is designed to aid in the treatment of some types of liver damage. Its active ingredient is an essential phospholipid called phosphatidylcholine, which contains fatty acids needed to keep liver cell membranes healthy and functioning. Essentiale Forte P excels at regenerating damaged liver cells and relieving discomfort associated with liver injury. It can also help reduce harmful fat deposits on the liver, as well as protect liver cells from future damage. Ask your doctor if Essentiale Forte P might be beneficial for you.
One thing you can do is to maintain a healthy lifestyle when it comes to nutrition, exercise, and other things like alcohol intake.3
And, once you’ve been diagnosed with a liver disease, it’s critical to follow your healthcare provider’s plan for treatment. Take your medication, avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy diet, and check in with your doctor regularly to assess your progress. All of these will go a long way toward preventing or managing any mental health disorders that may be linked to your liver disease diagnosis.
Pay attention to any symptoms your experience, and, as a reminder, some common symptoms of liver disease can include:
- Tiredness or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes)
- Itchy skin
- Pain or tenderness on the right side of the body (where the liver lives)
- Nausea or sometimes bloating.
If you notice any of these, or if something simply doesn’t feel right, consult your doctor right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Disease and Mental Health Disorders
One symptom of cirrhosis is a build-up of toxins in the brain. As we’ve mentioned, a healthy liver is able to remove these toxins and help the brain and other bodily systems function properly. When the liver is compromised, it cannot filter these toxins, and a build-up occurs. The toxins in your brain can lead to confusion, inability to concentrate, and lack of mental acuity, indicating that there is a connection between cirrhosis and mental health. (This is also referred to as hepatic encephalopathy).
If you’re dealing with mental health issues in addition to any type of liver disease, you’ll want to do anything you can to help improve your quality of life. Often, this starts with talking about your symptoms with your doctors. An integrated care approach can help ease symptoms associated with both conditions and help you live your best life.
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