[The adolescent confronted with hemodialysis and transplantation, psychological problems and developmental factors]

A study has been undertaken of the psychological problems of more than 250 adolescents and young adults with chronic renal failure in a dialysis and transplantation programme. The centre provided treatment and helped the patients to adapt to their illness. As the illness is of indefinite duration observations could be made of the course and the outcome. The individuals reaction to different forms of treatment, the possible final outcome and the institution were studied.