APP Roundtable: Addressing Mental Health in Patients With PBC

Living with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) often means navigating not only physical symptoms but also challenges with mental health, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive “brain fog.” In this expert discussion, physician assistants Lindsay Yoder, PA-C, and Melissa Franco, PA, share real-world strategies for screening, addressing, and supporting the mental health needs of patients with PBC. They highlight how APPs can normalize conversations about anxiety and depression, connect patients with support groups, and collaborate with mental health professionals to deliver holistic care. This conversation explores practical tools such as screening approaches, open-ended patient questions, referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, as well as lifestyle and support strategies that empower patients and reduce stigma. Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking guidance or a patient looking for support, this discussion provides valuable insights into improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for individuals with PBC.