Depressive symptoms and prescription of antidepressants in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Depressive symptoms are commonly noted in patients on hemodialysis treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the psychological care of patients receiving in-center hemodialysis treatment. Thus the aim was to describe the occurrence of depressive symptoms and prescription of antidepressive agents, as well as to assess the agreement between present symptoms and ongoing pharmacological treatment in clinical practice.

METHODS

The occurrence of self-reported depressive symptoms and documented ongoing pharmacological treatment was assessed in a cross-sectional survey including 141 hemodialysis patients. Agreement between depressive symptoms and prescription of antidepressants was analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five percent of the participants suffered from self-reported depressive symptoms, and there was poor agreement between depressive symptoms and prescription of an antidepressant agent.

DISCUSSION

Depressive symptomatology is a significant problem in hemodialysis patients. It is therefore important to use systematic approaches to screen patients for depression, diagnose clinical depression, plan for treatment strategies, and follow up depression treatment outcomes.