ABSTRACT
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have complications in virtually every organ system. Psychiatric difficulties with depression, coping problems, delirium with disturbed behaviors, noncompliance, and marital/family problems are commonly encountered (1). Such patients often show profound quality-of-life complications of chronic dialysis. There are also ethical issues regarding stopping dialysis treatment in ESRD patients. Psychotropic medications need special attention in this medically fragile population. Children and adolescents receiving dialysis can have additional serious problems in both physical and psychological development. Nephrologists need to consider all of these aspects of maintaining dialysis treatment in ESRD patients.
