RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The loss of renal function and urination with dialysis can produce a strong emotional crisis in a patient. This study explored the correlation between psychic symptoms and quality of life among hemodialysis patients who were older than 55 years of age in relation to demographic characteristics of age, time on dialysis, and education. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients undergoing hemodialysis were included in the study. The psychic symptoms were studied using the Symptom Checklist-90. Revised (SCL-90 R) and the quality of life was studied using the Complete Form Health Survey (SF 36). RESULTS: The high correlation between psychological sizes investigated through the SCL-90 R test and those for the SF-36 test confirmed the close relationship between physical disorders and mental suffering, and reduced vitality, and lack of socialization. CONCLUSION: The psychiatrist and psychologist may help hemodialysis patients to improve their quality of life by providing new coping strategies for each of the family, occupational, and social network.
