Study of Anxiety and Depression among Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases Undergoing Dialysis in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is considered as a public health problem worldwide. It is a state of progressive decay in kidney functionality which ultimately results in the need for renal replacement (dialysis or transplant). Among patients who are suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and undergoing dialysis, the most common psychiatric conditions are anxiety and depression, which often go untreated, owing to the lack of knowledge and misperceptions about these condition. Methods: The study was conducted at tertiary care hospital ASCOMS on 78 cases above 18 years of age. Data was collected by using clinician-administered tool, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: In present study the majority of the studied cases were in the age group ranging from 46-55 years (24.36%) with mean age 48.5 ± 4.56 years and male predominance (60.26 %). The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 62.82% and 64.10%, respectively. The highest prevalence of Anxiety (24.36% of total patients) was observed in the 1-3-year chronic kidney disease duration group and Depression prevalence peaked in the 3-5-year group (23.08%). Regarding duration of dialysis, the highest prevalence of Anxiety occurs in patients undergoing dialysis for <1 year (35.9%, 28 cases) and the highest prevalence of depression was seen in <1-year group (26.92%, 21 cases). Conclusion: Patients who are suffering from chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis have symptoms of anxiety and depression. Increased duration of chronic kidney disease and dialysis are likely to result in poor psychological health in these patients. Therefore, regular screening for depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is crucial for early identification and intervention