Psychological effects of living related kidney transplantation - risks and chances.

BACKGROUND

Recipients of living donor kidney transplantation hope for an improved physical well-being after transplant. Furthermore the patients and their relatives frequently expect an improvement in their psychological findings in consequence of the living related transplantation. The present study examines the psychosocial effects of living donor kidney transplantation for donors and recipients under successful as well as complicated circumstances.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Based on 31 catamnestic interviews of recipient-donor couples and a content analysis of these interviews, hypotheses regarding the psychological requirements for a successful progression of a living kidney donation are deduced and put forward.

RESULTS

The aspiration for an improvement of psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression, as an effect of transplantation can on the basis of the present results not be supported. Living donor kidney transplantation between close recipient and donors must not be regarded as a means to solve psychological problems and familial conflicts. An attitude characterized by realistic and modest expectations as well as relationships, which have been cleared of extreme conflicts prior to the transplantation could facilitate a favourable psychological progression.