The hemodialysis unit

Abstract

The psychological reactions of patients on chronic center hemodialysis, their relatives and their medical staff were briefly described. Most of the questions pertaining to the sources of stress for the three groups of participants, as well as their respective adjustments, were ignored. Yet some striking similarities are to be found in the psychological reactions of all involved: high frequency of depressive reactions was found in patients, families and even staff. All use similar defense mechanisms, especially denial but also displacement, reaction formation, etc. It has also been suggested that all participants in chronic central dialysis have to handle their own as well as others' increased aggression, although the sources for the increase in aggression in patients, families and staff are very different indeed. The report also tried to summarize the often contradictory opinions about the psychotherapeutic interventions that should be carried out with patients, families and staff.