Psychological problems of the patient on hemodialysis and their treatment

Patients treated by maintenance hemodialysis are subjected to many stresses. As a result, many of these patients have psychological problems. Depression is the most common psychological complication seen in them. This is reflected in a high suicide rate in these patients. Other psychological problems seen in these patients are anxiety, sexual dysfunctions, problems connected with difficulties in rehabilitation, the problem of the 'uncooperative' patients, and psychosis. Vigilant attention is required so that diagnosis may be made early and treatment started soon thereafter. Important methods of treatment are supportive psychotherapy, behavioral techniques for sexual dysfunctions, and the use of psychologically active drugs.