Abstract
Psychological problems were investigated in 27 patients (19 males and 8 females) with chronic renal failure in adolescence (group F) by comparing them to 33 controls admitted for more than 6 months due to chronic renal disease (group D). In group F, the mean age of disease onset (6.4±4.2 years) was significantly younger than that in group D (9.2±3.8 years). and 70% of patients had been hospitalized for more than 3 years. Moreover, their growth were markedly retarded and 44% of them had received corticosteroid therapy before. Based on assessments made by each physician in charge, physical strength frequently declined in group F (89%) as compared to group D (45%), while the percentages of patients in low spirits, with delay in school work, with problems in friend or family relationships or who had poor self-control were almost equal to those in group D. On the Y-G Personality Test, Group F showed a tendency towards emotional instability and social maladjustment. Among the five profiles, the Director type was smaller in proportion to both the Black list and Eccentric types. A similar tendency was also recognized in group D.
By MAS (Manifest Anxiety Scale), 32% of group F were judged as having high anxiety, and the patients on dialysis for less than two years tended to have high scores.
The analysis of the Twenty Statement Test indicated that the proportions of statement contents were similar to those of healthy senior high school students, and that descriptions of body image or illness increased instead of identity or life feelings. Although they described fewer positive life feelings, their wishes and dreams for the future were more positive.
Though the psychological and personality trends of group F were also common to group D, the conditions of more long term history, restrictions in living conditions, marked growth retardation, reduced physical strength and dialysis treatment had apparently increased such deviation.
