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This past Friday I authored a post relating the anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and doubt expressed by many in dialysis forums on Facebook. I related while I did not experience such feelings, perhaps it would be lucrative to delve into what research has suggested. Below is what I uncovered.

Research has found that patients new to dialysis often experience significant anxiety, fear, and doubt. Some key findings:

  • Anxiety disorders are estimated to affect 12-52% of patients with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis. 
  • Starting dialysis is a major life transition that can trigger anxiety as patients adjust to the new diagnosis, treatment regimen, and lifestyle changes. 
  • Common sources of anxiety include fear of the unknown, uncertainty about the future, invasive procedures like needle insertions, alarms on dialysis machines, and dependence on medical staff and equipment. 
  • Patients may feel anxious about being able to follow the strict dietary and fluid restrictions, remember medication schedules, and manage supplies for home dialysis. 
  • The loss of independence, inability to work, financial strain, and disruption to social roles can contribute to feelings of anxiety and doubt. 
  • Anxiety can make it harder for new dialysis patients to learn important self-care skills, follow treatment plans, and cope with the physical and emotional demands of their condition. 

In summary, the transition to dialysis brings many stressors and uncertainties that commonly trigger significant anxiety, fear, and doubt in new patients as they adjust to end-stage kidney disease and dialysis treatment.