A new study published in Pediatric Transplantation found a higher rate of psychiatric conditions (depression, phobia, ADHD), educational impairment and social isolation among adolescents who received a kidney transplant compared to their healthy peers.
 
In the transplant group studied, 65 percent were diagnosed with a lifetime psychiatric disorder, compared to 37.5 percent of the group who had not received a kidney transplant. Transplant recipients also had a higher rate of mood disorders, almost twice the frequency of anxiety disorders and more behavioral disorders of healthy adolescents.
 
Adolescents with chronic conditions have lower emotional well-being scores, worry more and have poorer body image. They are more socially isolated and have limited opportunities for peer relationships.

These symptoms in adolescence strongly predict an episode of major depression in adulthood. Adolescent transplant patients may be at risk of developing psychiatric disorders even after they are transferred to the adult care system.

This article originally appeared in the March 2009 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.