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Chronic Kidney Disease can lead to depression
 Karen Collins, M.S.W., L.I.S.W.
Licensed Independent Social Worker
About 20 million Americans have Chronic Kidney Disease, and another 20 million are at increased risk for it. People who suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have gradual and usually permanent loss of kidney function over time. The two main causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. There is no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease; the goal for those who treat it is to limit its progression.
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The disease is divided into five stages, and stage five is called "End Stage Renal Disease." At that point, treatment options are peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and kidney transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis is administered at home, typically overnight while a patient sleeps. Hemodialysis is administered in a hospital or clinic three times per week with each treatment typically lasting three to four hours. A kidney transplant is an option for patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery and an extensive, ongoing regimen of medication.
Depression is common among those with Chronic Kidney Disease, with research suggesting that up to 40 percent of CKD patients experience it. Statistics show that up to 50 percent of hemodialysis patients experience depression. Symptoms include:
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Our kidneys are vital to our health. They regulate our body water and chemicals in our blood, remove drugs and toxins and release hormones into our blood to help our body regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells and strengthen bones.
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A loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
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A depressed mood, feeling of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness and crying
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Sleep pattern changes: sleeping too much, waking up in the middle of the night or being unable to get restful sleep
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Inability to concentrate
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Appetite changes: an increased or decreased appetite with weight gain or weight loss
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Being restless, easily annoyed or irritable
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Increased fatigue
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Low self-esteem-feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt
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Reduced inter est in sexual activity
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Thoughts of harming self or thoughts of death
Chronic Kidney Disease can bring on bouts of depression and can lead to a rundown physical condition that can interfere with successful treatment of the chronic illness.
Dialysis patients must be actively involved in their daily treatment and closely monitor their fluid intake and diet. A clear mind is needed to make the best decisions for care. However, depression can affect patients' ability to make decisions about their treatment and prevent them from doing the things they need to be doing to help manage their illness.
Management of Chronic Kidney Disease and depression can be accomplished with a few tips in mind:
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Adapt to the physical effects of CKD.
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Adapt your lifestyle with an open mind.
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Educate yourself on treatment options and expected outcomes.
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Learn how to make treatments tolerable. That might mean taking a book, sleeping at the clinic or treating yourself to something special after the treatment.
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Make sure there is clear communication between you and your doctors.
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Try to maintain an emotional balance to cope with negative feelings.
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Try to maintain confidence and a positive self-image.
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Seek support from others with CKD and other chronic illnesses.
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Let friends and family help.
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Seek help as soon as symptoms of depression appear.
There are many treatment options for people with depression. Many people are treated with antidepressants and therapy. Every dialysis clinic has a clinical social worker who is an integral part of the nephrology team and is capable of helping patients manage depression. Chronic Kidney Disease and depression can form a vicious cycle that can be broken with the appropriate resources.
Last updated November 21, 2007 |
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