Factors associated with psychiatric symptoms in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis

Psychiatric morbidity in a sample of 85 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis was assessed using standard questionnaires (General Health Questionnaire and Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire). Examination of the effects of demographic, illness, treatment, and history variables on questionnaire scores revealed that psychiatric symptoms were more frequent in women than in men, in those on home dialysis, in those living in rural areas, in unemployed men and in those with a disturbed nuclear family. Factor analysis of symptoms assessed by one of the questionnaires (GHQ) revealed six factors: general general dissatisfaction, suicidal ideation, confidence and well-being usefulness and enjoyment, concentration and alertness, sleep disturbance, Interview responses revealed a high incidence of general distress and anxiety and also a high incidence of sexual problems