The psychological effects of dialysis on the patient and their partner

The first goal of this study was to investigate the dialysis patient and partner dyad in connection to the psycholc^ical impact dialysis has made on them. Depression and anxiety are well recognised reactions within the dialysis patient and to a lesser degree in the dialysis partner. The degree to which depression and anxiety has been influenced by factors such as neurological impairment, the patient/partner dyadic relationship, severity of renal disease, and the individual's perception of their illness has not been investigated in one study before. The second goal of this study was to conceptualise the results within a comprehensive biopsychosocial model, and to present a uniquely Australian perspective.