The effect of depression on peritoneal dialysis patients

Objective To investigate the possible reasons of depression on peritoneal dialysis patients and use the medicine to improve the life quality. Methods 43 pentoneal dialysis patients without psychotic disorder were selected. Patients were divided into two groups (depression group and normal group) by Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) . Dialysis adequacy, nutritional status, peritonitis rates and compliance between two groups were compared. The patients with severe depression were taken medicine (Prozac 20 mg/d) . Results (1) 37.2% patients were suffered from depression. (2) There were no differences in age, sex, education, marriage and economic problem between two groups. (3) The patients in depression group had lower level of adequacy and worse nutritional status, increased peritonitis rates and less compliance than those in normal group. (4) 6 patients in depression group were improved with Prozac. Conclusions Depression is very common in peritoneal dialysis patients. Depression may result in malnutrition, noncompliance , dialysis inadequacy and increased peritonitis rates, etc. Depression can be improved with Prozac.