Psychological aspects of renal transplantation

Renal transplantation offers the patient with end stage renal disease an alternative treatment to dialysis. A successful graft can lead to a greatly improved quality of life. Physicians, staff and patients often do not anticipate the adverse post-operative psychological reactions. At some stage, practically all patients experience episodes of anxiety, depression and anger secondary to complications, painful treatments, drug therapy, fear of death, etc. This article explores the psychological stages a renal transplantee goes through in the first few months post-operatively. Additionally, the role of the mental health consultant is examined.