The effect of psychosocial interventions on depression, anxiety, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Purpose: Hemodialysis has become a standard therapy for adults with end-stage renal diseases. Adults undergoing hemodialysis have to cope with unique psychological issues that make their care journey particularly fatiguing. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize and evaluate the effects of psychosocial interventions on the reduction of anxiety and depression in adults with HDs.

Methods: We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that measure change in depression, anxiety, and quality of life.

Results: We identify three categories of psychosocial interventions delivered to adults undergoing hemodialysis. Based on our analysis, there was a medium effect of psychosocial intervention on depression (SMD - 0.85, 95%CI - 1.17; - 0.52, I² = 80%, p < 0.01) and anxiety (SMD - 0.99, 95%CI - 1.65; - 0.33, I² = 88%, p < 0.01) in adults undergoing hemodialysis.

Conclusions: Psychosocial interventions, such as psychological support or relaxation-based therapy, seems all to reduce depression and anxiety in adults undergoing HD. Preliminary evidence suggests that there may be a benefit of psychosocial interventions on the quality of life for adults undergoing HD.