Objective:

To assess the psychological care needs of the hemodialysis population based on objective indicators of anxiety and depression.

Material and Method:

A cross-sectional descriptive study between October 2016 and March 2018 was carried out, with a sample of 103 patients who were interviewed and applied the Beck depression inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Gender, age and time on dialysis were recorded.

Results:

8.7% of the sample showed levels of major depression, compared with 60.2% with minimal depression. 23.3% obtained mild levels of depression and 7.8% moderate depression. 25.24% of the sample had high anxiety, 37.86% moderate anxiety and 36.89% low anxiety.

According to questionnaires, 92 of the 103 participants described the existence of a traumatic event in their lives, along with passive/avoidant coping strategies.

Conclusions:

Based on the results observed in which the presence of anxiety and depression is evident in patients on hemodialysis, it is required to have an adequate psychological treatment.