Question

Depression and fatigue are common issues that plague people with CRF on dialysis. Why might these psychosocial issues be found in this patient population? What is the impact of their renal disease on these factors? What impact might their fatigue and depression have on their renal disease and disease management? Describe a plan of care to prevent or manage these issues in a patient on dialysis. Include at least one reference for your discussion. Try to keep your postings to approximately 150 to 300 words

Answer 1

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a disease which is irreversible and progressive. Here the kidney fails to maintain electrolyte balance and metabolic functions. Hemodialysis is one of the most common treatment used in chronic renal failure. But in this treatment the patient has to undergo many restrictions and modifications in the lifestyle which leads to many physical and physiological problems.
Depression and fatigue are common psychological issues experienced by the patients undergoing dialysis Factors that are responsible for development of such psychological issues include many aspects. Modifications  in social relationships, regular hospital visits and admissions, restrictions on spending of leisure time, disability and death fear among patients, artificial kidney machine dependence, changes in the food intake and some other factors such as unemployment have been found to be the reasons for development of psychological issues.

There is a marked Impact of these factors on renal disease. Psychopathology of the patients undergoing dialysis has a important role in the progression and outcome of the renal disease. The factors mentioned above affect the mental health of a patient, and a good mental health leads to good coping and good recovery of the patient. A " powerful will " of the patient helps to adopt the new strategies of the treatment.

The psychological problems such as depression and fatigue in turn can affect the disease outcome and can affect the decisions regarding the treatment the disease. Psychological factors can cloud the thinking process and will lead to poor decisions for the treatment of the disease. These factors also lead to decreased immune function and can lead to added infections. It also reflects how a patient will respond to dialysis. Patients with such conditions are less likely to do exercise, go out and communicate with others and may even engage in harmful behaviour that may put the individual in more danger.

Care plan for such individuals need to be planned properly. They need to be assured. Also make them understand about the disease and the potential mental health damages that can manifest if they overthink or if they handle their condition poorly. A plan needs to be worked out for day to day needs and also when there occurs a crisis. They need to be familiar with the possible outcomes and realistic expectations. Emotional support needs to be given. If the manifestations are severe , they can be referred to health professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists , they provide therapies that are effective. Create a nutrition plan to keep the patient healthy that will ensure both the kidney and mental well being. Mental illness often creates a sense of powerlessness and developing a plan will help regain the control over the situation.

Psychological aspects in chronic renal failure.