Older patients on dialysis have a high prevalance of depression and cognitive impairment

The purpose of this study published 2005 in Aging and Mental Health was to evaluate levels of cognitive impairment, depressive mood and self-reported quality of life in older dialysis patients (>70 years). A total of 51 outpatients receiving dialysis were assessed by psychologists, using a depression scale (MADRS), two cognitive tests (MMSE and BEC 96),…

Communicating openly has a positive impact on patients on dialysis

This study examines the degree to which perceptions of open communication between patients and staff affect patients’ mental health. Open disclosure correlated independently with lower levels of depression at baselineand a predicted significant decrease in depression over time. Other interpersonal characteristics (limited equality, respect and helpfulness) did not correlate with depression or subjective well-being at…

Depression increases progression and mortality in renal disease

 This is a prospective observational cohort study from 2012. [1] 568 participants with CKD not requiring dialysis were recruited consecutively at a tertiary hospital in Southern Taiwan and followed up for 4 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory. 428 participants completed the questionnaires and 160 (37%) had depressive symptoms. During a…

Anxiety and depression in renal disease

This is a narrative review that was published in 2018. [1] The authors there describe the evidence surrounding psychiatric comorbidity in patients with kidney disease, including the effect on progression and mortality. 1          Goh ZS, Griva K. Anxiety and depression in patients with end-stage renal disease: Impact and management challenges – A narrative review.…