The kidney is one of the most important organs of our body, it plays an important role in cleaning the blood and maintaining the balance of chemicals and fluids in the blood. Health experts say kidney diseases can hurt overall health. It can also cause increased toxicity in the body, hence everyone must continue to take measures to keep the kidneys healthy. Along with maintaining a proper diet and lifestyle, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure is considered most important to keep the kidneys healthy.
Statistics show that the risk of kidney-related diseases is increasing in people of all ages across the world. World Kidney Day is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March to make people aware of keeping the kidneys healthy and reducing the risk of related diseases.
Health experts say that it is important to pay special attention to keeping the kidneys healthy, because people who have kidney disease may be at risk of developing mental health problems and even serious diseases like depression over time.
Kidney patients may suffer from depression
In chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney function gradually decreases. Researchers have found that people who develop kidney disease and have it for a long time can potentially develop problems like depression and anxiety. In the early stages, CKD often causes no symptoms. However, over time the patient may develop symptoms such as high blood pressure and swelling. CKD can not only lead to kidney failure but also increases the risk of mental health problems. Let us know what is the relationship between kidney disease and mental health problems.
What is the connection between kidney disease and mental health?
Dr Satyakant Trivedi, a psychiatrist in Bhopal, explains that 50% of kidney patients undergoing dialysis treatment may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. The condition of CKD can affect a person's mental health in many ways. A 2021 review of studies found that 19% of people with CKD also experienced anxiety disorders. There are many reasons why people with kidney disease may develop mental illness.
Dr. Satyakant explains that the major causes of mental health disorders in kidney patients include high expenditure on disease treatment, restrictions on lifestyle or working life, living with symptoms and complications of CKD, and uncertainty about health or future. . Kidney treatment is long-term, and the regular expense can be distressing for the patients, on top of that the patient becomes largely dependent on family or other members which in some situations can lead to feelings of guilt. Might be possible.
Keep blood pressure and sugar under control
Health experts say that it is important for all people suffering from kidney disease to pay serious attention to those measures that can help in reducing their symptoms. Especially people who already have diabetes or heart disease should keep these conditions under control. High blood sugar or blood pressure has been found to increase kidney diseases.
Along with kidney treatment, doctors should pay attention to the patient's symptoms and also suggest psychotherapy if necessary.
What do experts say?
If a person suffering from CKD continues to have stress-anxiety problems, they should talk to a doctor. Health experts can help control mental health problems through medication or therapy, depending on the symptoms. Some patients may need antidepressant medications along with kidney treatment.
Mental health problems can harm our bodies in many ways, so it is important to take care of both mental and physical health to maintain overall health.
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