Frequency of depressive disorder in patients entering home hemodialysis

Fifty-eight patients were systematically interviewed at the time of their entry into a home hemodialysis training program. The social, demographic, medical, and psychological characteristics of the sample are described. On interview, 13 (22%) of the 58 patients were found to be experiencing rigorously defined depressive disorder. The importance of further study regarding the incidence of depressive illness in similar groups of patients and the need for further research in defining adequate therapy for these patients are emphasized.