DEPRESSION IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS

SUMMARY Many psychiatric disorders can be seen in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Haemodialysis (HD), which is a renal replacement treatment, causes various psychiatric and psychosocial problems. Patients are dependent on treatment and the illness causes various problems. In addition, strict diet and continuous treatment are other stress factors (1,2). Various studies have been published in different regions and countries about the prevalence of depression and the relation between sociodemographic factors and depression in patients treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which has gradually become common in Turkey. However studies, which reflect the authors' region, have become necessary (2,3).