The Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Psychosis among Hemodialysis patients in Nour and Ali Asghar Hospitals in Isfahan

Considering the increasing rate of chronic renal failure in Iran and the high prevalence of depression and anxiety among these patients, the aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and psychosis among hemodialysis patients of Nour and Ali Asghar Hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. In this descriptive, analytic cross-sectional study, all hemodialysis patients who referred to Nour and Ali Asghar Hospitals were evaluated. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and psychosis was determined using the standard SCL-90-R questionnaire. A total number of 196 patients (132 male and 64 female) were studied. The overall rate of physiological problems was 69.9%. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and psychosis among hemodialysis patients was 50%, 12.2% and 0%, respectively. The prevalence of physiological problems were higher in patients aged < 25 years and >75 years (P < 0.05). The prevalence of physiological problems in male and female patients was 69.9% and 84.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). There was not a significant relationship between the prevalence of physiological problems and the duration of dialysis. However, there was a significant relationship between the mentioned problems and the frequency of dialysis (per week). Regarding the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in our studied population, further studies are recommended to determine the proper methods for early diagnosis and screening of depression and anxiety among hemodialysis patients. In addition, patients need to be educated about the methods of prevention and controlling these disorders.