Psychosomatic aspects of patients on hemodialysis. 2. Alexithymic trait of hemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Psychosomatic aspects of dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy were examined using various psychological tests such as the MMPI Alexithymia Scale. Alexithymic traits were observed in 83% of dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, positive correlations between alexithymia and self-control were found suggesting that alexithymic trait, the lack of awareness of one's own body, results in sluggish self-control, and affects prognosis of dialysis patients seriously. Especially, visual disturbance complications such as severe retinopathy are likely to further accelerate this condition. Therefore, it is essential for dialysis patients with alexithymic trait to acquire body awareness.