Psycho-Social Evaluation of a Living Kidney Donor

The decision to become a living kidney donor is full of conflicts. It is generally believed that the candidates are aware of their reasons, that they have thought long about it, and have even asked questions about it. Thus it is surprising that, in many cases, they are only vaguely aware of their reasons and their validity. Sometimes, it is an impulsive decision guided by their emotions and entrusted to their luck or faith. Sometimes, they are undecided and put under pressure due to various circumstances. The mental health assessment should help to clarify their reasons, and to put them into words. It should be a positive experience, enriching their decision. It should give the candidate the inner feeling of having received help for taking the best decision. The psychosocial evaluation should be the first of multiple assessment ratings that the living kidney donor must face. A well-taken decision is a requirement to start the process properly. The author reviews the conditions in which that interview should be developed, the requirements to be met by the decision, and the proper techniques to obtain accurate information.