The author compares the adjustment of 18 adolescents on chronic hemodialysis to that of 63 adult patients on helodialysis. The adolescents were found to comply less well with the medical regimen, their vocational rehabilitation was significantly lower, & their social activities were more restricted. They were found to suffer more from the changes in body functioning & appearances. They were more hostile & overtly aggressive but seemed to have fewer psychiatric complications &, especially, less suicidal ideation. (9 refs)