American Association Of Kidnay Patients Develops Understanding Depression Brochures

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Depression
Article Date: 07 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) announced the development of two new depression brochures. Understanding Depression in Kidney Disease is the latest addition to the AAKP Understanding series. It is accompanied by When Your Loved One is Depressed, Tips on How You Can Help.

Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from some form of depression. Many people with depression do not seek help, even though most of those with severe cases can be helped. Kidney disease patients are at an increased risk of suffering from depression. Understanding Depression in Kidney Disease and When Your Loved One is Depressed, gives readers an understanding of what depression is, what may cause it and how it is treated.

"People just don't understand depression," says AAKP President Bobbi Wager, MSN, RN. "But knowing the signs and symptoms may prompt a patient to seek the help he or she needs."

"This is a terrible disease that affects millions of people," says AAKP Executive Director/CEO Kris Robinson. "Not only does it affect the patient, but their loved ones also. These brochures are part of AAKP's mission to help kidney patients and their loved ones deal with the emotional impact of kidney disease."

AAKP would like to thank Amgen for sponsoring the brochures. If you would like a copy of Understanding Depression in Kidney Disease or When Your Loved One is Depressed, call AAKP at 800-749-AAKP. You can also download a copy from the AAKP Web site, http://www.aakp.org.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for more than 35 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances, and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.