Neuropsychological, physical, and psychosocial functioning of individuals with end-stage renal disease.

Individuals (N = 24) being treated for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were compared to healthy control participants (N = 20) on measures of neuropsychological, physical, and psychosocial functioning. ESRD patients scored significantly lower than controls (p < .03) on Trail Making Test--Part B; 37.5% of ESRD patients were classified as impaired versus 15% of controls. ESRD patients scored lower than controls on SF-36 measures of Physical Functioning (p < .001). Psychosocial deficits were on the Affect Balance Scale (p < .04) and in employment (p < .04). The hypotheses that neuropsychological status would be associated with psychosocial differences in terms of decrements in both affect and employment rates were also supported. Mediational analysis suggested that neuropsychological status plays a role in the lower employment rates seen among ESRD patients. Clinical and research implications are discussed.