Kidney disease linked to depression even in early stages

[okarol]

Kidney disease linked to depression even in early stages


9/1/2009 10:50:33 AM

Depression has long been associated with end stage kidney disease, but 
a new study published today in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases 
found that 20% of patients with early stage chronic kidney disease also suffered from depression.



Researchers led by Susan Hedayati, MD, at the University of Texas
 Southwestern Medical Center found that the prevalence of major
depressive episodes in CKD patients is greater than those reported for patients with other chronic diseases including diabetes (11%), congestive heart failure (14%) and coronary artery disease (16%).

Researchers studied 272 patients with CKD in stages two through five
who they categorized as depressed or nondepressed based on the presence
or absence of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
diagnosis of a current major depressive episode.  One in five patients
met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria
for a major depressive episode.



“Unemployment, psychiatric illness and diabetes were factors that
seemed to contribute to depression in the chronic kidney disease
patients we studied,” says Hedayati. “Patients with chronic kidney
disease should understand that they are at increased risk for depression
and ask physicians to monitor them regularly for signs of depression.



“Early screening is especially important since depression is
associated with poor outcomes in patients with end stage kidney disease.
In fact, long term dialysis patients with clinical depression are twice
as likely to die or require hospitalization,” continues Hedayati.



To help patients manage depression, the National Kidney Foundation
offers the following tips:

● Try to be with other people and to confide in someone

● Expect your mood to improve gradually not immediately

● Aim for 8 hours of sleep per day

● Exercise regularly; even if it's taking the stairs instead of the
elevator or parking the car further away from the store


http://www.nephronline.com/news.asp?N_ID=3102