ABSTRACT
Depression is highly prevalent and associated with poor quality of life and
increased mortality among adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those
with end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, there are several important differences
in the diagnosis, epidemiology and management of depression between patients with
non-dialysis dependent CKD and ESRD. Understanding these differences may lead to a
better understanding of depression in these two distinct populations. First, diagnosing
depression using self-reported questionnaires may be less accurate in patients with
ESRD compared with CKD. Second, although the prevalence of interview-based
depression is approximately 20% in both groups, the risk factors for depression may
vary. Third, potential mechanisms of depression might also differ in CKD vs. ESRD.
Finally, considerations regarding the type and dose of antidepressant medications vary
between CKD and ESRD. Future studies should further examine the mechanisms of
depression in both groups, and test interventions to prevent and treat depression in
these populations