Abstract
Psychological aspects of hemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy were examined using various psychological tests such as the MMPI Alexithymia Scale, Beth Israel Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire. Alexithymia was observed in 83% of dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy. Positive correlations beween alexithymia and self-control markers of renal failure and diabetes were found, suggesting that alexithymia, the lack of awareness of their own bodies results in sluggish self-control, affects prognosis of dialysis patients seriously. Moreover, visual disturbance such as severe retinopathy are likely to further accelerate this condition. For hemodialysis patients with alexithymia, therefore, it is required to make them aware of their own bodies.
