Influence of unstable psychological condition on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients

Hemodialysis patients tend to be in “unstable psychological conditions” because of complications and physical activity restriction. This study aimed to investigate unusual psychological factors and their influence on the quality of life (QOL) of hemodialysis patients. This study targeted 55 patients who had experienced > 1 year of stable maintenance outpatient hemodialysis. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate unusual psychological conditions. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) was used to evaluate QOL. Participants were grouped into “unstable psychological conditions” if HADS indicated that “depression is suspected” or “suspected depression, anxiety stated” (“Anxiety/Depression group”); this group was then compared to the “Stable group”. A total of 18 participants (32.7%) were included in the “Anxiety/Depression group”, and all QOL scores in this group were lower than those in the “Stable group”. In particular, a significantly low value was shown in the respective criteria such as “effects of kidney disease,” “social support,” and “general health perceptions”. A possibility was suggested that the major causes were the restrictions of social activity by hospital visits and treatment and unique psychological conditions.