Nephrology Nurses Stepping In To Help Caregivers Of Hemodialysis Recipients Alleviate Anxiety And Depression

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Anxiety / Stress;  Caregivers / Homecare;  Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 16 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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African American women who are caregivers of family members with end stage renal disease (ESRD) often deal with depression, anxiety and other symptoms of these hemodialysis recipients. However, depressive and anxiety symptoms can also strike the caregiver, especially black women.

These family caregivers could benefit from an intervention to reduce these symptoms, and nephrology nurses are in a unique position to be the first ones to step in and help caregivers deal with these symptoms, say Mona N. Wicks, PhD, RN, and co-authors in their article in the November-December 2007 issue of Nephrology Nursing Journal.

The authors suggest using INSIGHT therapy, a behavioral group therapy approach designed to prevent and reduce depression in women. The group aspect creates a sense of community and sharing, an approach that may be especially important for some black women. Wicks and co-authors have implemented a three-year study of INSIGHT therapy in a group of black women who are caregivers of chronic hemodialysis recipients.

They hope to reduce or eliminate depressive symptoms in this group, which will ultimately benefit the individual and the family member they care for.

INSIGHT Potentially Prevents and Treats Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Black Women Caring for Chronic Hemodialysis Recipients Mona N. Wicks, PhD, RN, et al Nephrology Nursing Journal; November-December 2007 http://www.annanurse.org/journal

Nephrology Nursing Journal is a refereed clinical and scientific resource that provides current information on a wide variety of subjects to facilitate the practice of professional nephrology nursing. Its purpose is to disseminate information on the latest advances in research, practice, and education to nephrology nurses to positively influence the quality of care they provide. For more information, visit http://www.annanurse.org/journal.