Il paziente emodializzato: difficoltà psicologiche e gestionali

Chronic renal failure is a public health problem of great relevance for significant mortality and high socio-economic impact. This study purposed to assess the psychological status in patients on hemodialysis; moreover other purpose is to investigate the possible differences among the first 3 months of hemodialysis treatment replacement. Materials and Methods. The study was carried out on 12 hemodialysis patients, aged 71.6 years (range: 34-87). Mood was measured by using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) developed in 1971 by Douglas M. McNair. Results. The overall score of mood disorders shows a total negative state in the initial phases of dialysis treatment [F (2,22) = 10.17; p <0.01] and a progressive improvement of the same, with a linear trend [F (1,11) = 12.65; p <0.05]. Conclusions. The model of hemodialysis patients is particularly interesting for several reasons, but especially for the possibility of cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments. The aim of future studies will be to characterize and investigate the complex psycho-social variables in this category of patients, to improve their quality of life.