ANXIETY ASSOCIATED WITH KIDNEY-TRANSPLANTATION

Anxiety associated with kidney transplantation was examined in a sample of 16 recipients. The incidence of anxiety amounted to 68.8% (11/16 cases) and 81.3% (13/16 cases) within the pre- and postoperation periods, respectively. One case indicated severe anxiety and finally developed dysthymic disorder after transplantation. Another case showed alexithymic features, which were associated with poor self-control, and strong defense mechanisms such as denial before transplantation. Although it is important for liaison psychiatrists to cure psychiatric disturbances such as depression, psychological care for alexithymic features may be required for organ transplantations to proceed smoothly. Consequently, it is necessary to reconsider psychodynamic aspects, especially anxiety concerning organ transplantations.