Psychosocial Approach in People with CKD: Psychosocial Implications

A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease impacts on the individual both physically and psychologically. The psychological trauma can be on a continuum from mild to severe. Each person diagnosed is an individual; hence the psychological response will differ from person to person. This will be reflected in how they respond to and accommodate to treatment. Nurses and allied health professionals are their primary carers. It is therefore important for them to be aware of and understand how patients respond psychologically to diagnosis and treatment. This chapter outlines some of the issues nurses and allied health professionals face and offers some avenues of support that can be recommended to people in their care.