JOHANNESBURG - As the world marks World Kidney Day, new research has revealed that – besides its physical impact – kidney disease is taking a serious toll on patients’ mental health.
A patient with chronic kidney disease will often require up to three, four-hour dialysis sessions every week, a huge disruption to their previous way of life.
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A recent survey by Kidney Research UK has revealed that around two-thirds of patients being treated for kidney disease are affected by significant mental health issues.
“Mental health is an important aspect and it's only been recently considered an important part of holistic care of a patient with kidney failure," said Dr Karisha Quarrie of Life Healthcare.
"It's important that we start to understand this for our patients and we provided the necessary holistic care that includes mental health services.”