Psychiatric morbidity among patients on haemodialysis in the Mosul district of Iraq

Patients on chronic haemodialysis experience a wide range of physical and psychological stresses. The specific sources of stress include: loss or threatened loss of possessions; relationship problems (e.g. staff–patient relationships, changed roles within the family); restrictions related to physical health status and the dialysis regimen; loss of body function and impaired body image; increased dependency and aggression; the threat of death; impairment of vocational function and financial security; and decreased participation in leisure, social and community activities (Phipps & Turkington, 2001). A review of psychological maladjustment in patients on haemodialysis found that about 55% exhibited significant emotional distress, a prevalence three to five times that found in the general population (Aghanwa & Morakinyo, 1997). The present study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among patients attending a renal dialysis unit in Mosul, Iraq.