1 in 5 Patients with CKD Suffers from Depression

A study just published in the latest issue of the American Journal of Kidney Disease reports perhaps a higher incidence of depression in CKD patients than currently realized. Although this is a large study, it is also from a single center (VA in Dallas, TX) and it is comprised of a skewed population (largely male veterans). Nevertheless, it is important to recognize depression and its high incidence even in the early stages of CKD before renal replacement therapy is necessary.

From the journal, the conclusion: One in 5 patients with CKD had a major depressive episode. Patients with CKD should be screened routinely for depression given this high prevalence and the independent association of depression with poor outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance dialysis.