Profile of Psychiatric Disorders in Geriatric Kidney Transplantation Candidates: A University Hospital Sample.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and profile of psychiatric comorbidity among geriatric kidney transplantation candidates and to identify associated demographic and clinical factors. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate psychiatric comorbidity in geriatric kidney transplant candidates specifically.

METHODS

This medical record-based, descriptive cross-sectional study included patients aged ≥ 65 years with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who were referred for psychiatric evaluation as part of the kidney transplant candidacy process at a university hospital between January 2016 and June 2024. Psychiatric diagnoses were determined based on DSM-5 criteria through a review of psychiatric consultation records. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of current psychiatric disorders, and univariate analyses were conducted to identify associated factors.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients (mean age 68.4 ± 3.4 years; 65.9% male) were evaluated. Psychiatric disorders were present in 15.1% of the sample. Anxiety and depression were the most common. Psychiatric comorbidity was significantly associated with female gender (p = 0.002), unmarried status (p = 0.033), prior psychiatric history (p < 0.001), and history of graft rejection (p = 0.020). No associations were found with dialysis duration, education, or employment status.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric disorders are common in geriatric ESRD patients evaluated for kidney transplantation. Psychiatric comorbidity was significantly associated with female gender, unmarried status, prior psychiatric history, and previous graft rejection. Routine psychiatric assessment and interdisciplinary care may improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.