Evaluation of Depression, Anxiety and Suicidal Ideation Among Patients With ‎Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are susceptible to psychiatric symptoms due to considerable changes in their individual, social and occupational life; this fact can influence the course and prognosis of renal diseases. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in Qazvin. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross- sectional study was performed on 120 patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent hemodialysis in Qazvin province. Demographic and laboratory data were collected. Dialysis adequacy was calculated using URR and KT/V formula. The patients filled Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and t-test.  Results: The mean score for Beck’s Depression Inventory was 13.72 and totally 79 patients (65.8%) presented with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were mild in 47 (39.2%), moderate in 21 (17.5%), and severe in 11 (9.2%) patients. The mean score for Beck’s Anxiety Inventory was 9.73 and 16 patients (13.3%) had anxiety symptoms. Among all participants, 8 patients (6.7%) presented with suicidal ideation. There was a significant negative association between dialysis adequacy and the severity of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Anxiety symptoms were more frequent among unemployed patients, and an increase in age was associated with an increase in suicidal ideations. (p<0.05) Conclusion: Regarding the high prevalence of depressive symptoms and probable anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis, relevant psychiatric evaluation and effective therapeutic interventions should be considered.