Archives of Mental Health (Jan 2017)
Psychiatry morbidity in hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study at a South Indian centre
Abstract
Background: In India, an estimated 100-220 per million populations reach Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 5, but only 10% of them can afford to renal replacement therapy. Recent research has shown that there is increased mental health morbidity with attendant poor quality of life in this patient population. Very few studies have been done in this aspect in the Indian population. Aims: We aimed to study the psychiatric morbidity in hemodialysis patients, who were undergoing regular hemodialysis for CKD. The study was carried out at the Hemodialysis Unit of the Department of Nephrology, SRM Medical College Hospital, one of the largest centers in South India. Methodology: Study patients (n=100) were administered Mini Mental Status Examination, MINI - English version 5.0.0 for DSM IV, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Beck's Scale For Suicidal Ideation, Perceived social support scale and The Kidney Disease Quality Of Life (KD-QOL)SF 36 and the results were analyzed. Results: Seventy eight percent (78%) of patients suffer more than one psychiatric morbidity. Depression (74%) was the most common psychiatric morbidity followed by anxiety (59%). Elderly male patients living in nuclear family, undergoing hemodialysis had significant depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment. 83% reported poor quality of life while coping with regular hemodialysis. Conclusion: Our results show that psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients, with attendant poor quality of life. An integrated approach between medical and mental health professionals will help improve the quality of life.
