Living with renal failure: the psychological issues.

Since the earliest days of dialysis, researchers have been drawn to this patient group attracted no doubt to the new phenomena of a machine dependant existence. There is considerable research data available on a whole range of psychological problems encountered by our patient population, indeed a brief look through the list-increased suicide rates, depression, sexual problems, relationship difficulties etc. etc. makes me wonder why so many of our patients make the effort to stay alive! Yet the vast majority do. They are a resilient group who, in general, maintain a positive attitude to life and get as much out of each day as they possibly can.