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. Psychiatric symptoms were found to be more frequent in women than in men, in those on home dialysis, in those living in rural areas, in unemployed men & in those with disturbed nuclear family. Interview responses revealed a high incidence of general distress & anxiety & also a high incidence of sexual problems. Suicidal ideation was a frequent symptom.(LN)