A study in the American Journal of Kidney Disease found 20 percent of patients with early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) also suffered from depression.  Researchers found the prevalence of major depressive episodes in CKD patients is greater than those reported for patients with other chronic diseases.  Contributing factors were unemployment, psychiatric illness and diabetes.  For more information on managing depression, download AAKP's Understanding Depression in Kidney Disease brochure or order it by calling (800) 749-AAKP.

This article originally appeared in the October 2009 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.