Psychosocial Issues and Lifestyle Changes for the Renal Patient

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the psychosocial issues faced by those with renal disease. The article discusses the physiologic connection between anxiety, depression, and pain-symptoms commonly seen in renal disease and other chronic illnesses. The application of integrative medicine or nonallopathic medicine and its role in the management of anxiety, depression, and pain are presented. Also presented is evidence surrounding several frequently used nonallopathic modalities appropriate for incorporation into a comprehensive management regimen for renal patients to reduce symptom burden. The article concludes with a discussion on the role of palliative care in treatment decisions for renal patients.

Keywords: Anxiety; Complementary and alternative medicine; Depression; Nonallopathic management; Pain management; Palliative care; Psychosocial issues; Renal disease.