PSYCHOLOGICAL STATUS OF CHILDREN AND THEIR CLOSE RELATIVES IN THE COURSE OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASES

Abstract

Objectives and Study: Chronic kidney diseases in childhood are with variable etiology and clinical presentation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of the chronic kidney diseases over the psychical status of these children and their close relatives and to make assessment how the disease intergrades with their neuro-psychological development and quality of life. Methods: 36 children aged from 7-18 with different chronic kidney diseases and a group of 36 adults (their close relatives) are included in the study (gr.A). The control group consists of 36 children with acute kidney diseases and their parents (gr.B). The parents were interviewed after a preliminary conversation and the Zung depression scale was assessed. In children, the EPQ Ayzenk test was performed after a preliminary talk and interview. Psychological tests of the children and adults were performed when the diagnosis was established and in 12-months intervals. Results: In the group of sick children(gr.A) a tendency towards isolation was observed and reduction of contacts. Manifestations of moderate depressive reactions were established in the group of parents when the diagnosis of their child was established.In the course of complex treatment of the chronic kidney disease reduction of parents’ depression was observed. Conclusions: The psychological disturbances are more discreet in children with chronic kidney diseases, while in the group of adults they are more significant to well-expressed. The communication and work of well-trained psychologists with the parents and children would help them to be more adaptive.

Keywords

• chronic kidney disease
• childhood
• psychological status