Identification of Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescent Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Studies demonstrate an association between mental health disorders and organ transplantation, with adolescents five times more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their nontransplant peers. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of anxiety and depression in adolescent kidney transplant recipients using standardized mental health screening tools.

Method: The standardized screening tools, generalized anxiety disorder-7 for anxiety and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, were administered over 6 months to kidney transplant recipients aged 12-21 years during the transplant clinic visit.

Results: Mental health screening increased by 74.0%. Patients reported mild to moderate anxiety at 46.4% and depression at 35.7%.

Discussion: Routine screening for mental health disorders in the transplant clinic allows for early identification of anxiety and depression, prompt referrals to a mental health professional, and improved health outcomes in adolescent kidney transplant recipients.

Keywords: Kidney transplant; adolescent; anxiety; depression; mental health.