Abstract
Alexithymia is a construct defined as the inability to differentiate between emotional experiences and bodily sensations. According to existing knowledge, alexithymia may have a major effect on the process of treatment and the outcome of the hemodialysis disease. The objective of this literature review was to determine the significance that alexithymia has for compliance and variables of clinical and mental health in the population of hemodialysis patients. For the above purpose, bibliographic databases “MEDLINE” and “Web of Science” were searched. The matrix method was used in analysis of articles. Searching both databases resulted in 248 articles. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, we included results of 13 articles in the literature review. The results of the search are findings regarding the prevalence and correlation of alexithymia with variables of clinical and mental health in hemodialysis patients. Alexithymia is significantly more common in the population of hemodialysis patients, and it has a negative effect on their mental and somatic health. Alexithymia levels in hemodialysis patients are more pronounced in cases where there is a greater number of comorbidities. Alexithymia is the predictor of high mortality rate in the population of hemodialysis patients, independent of other comorbidities.
Highlights
Accepted: 25 June 2021End-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease defined as a state of reduced glomerular filtration rate with a creatinine clearance lower than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2
Results of the study conducted by Pop Jordanova and Polenakovic showed that the levels of secondary alexithymia in HD patients are some of the highest when compared to patients with other somatic disorders; in the above study, the prevalence was 50% in HD patients, which was significantly higher than alexithymia levels measured in the comparable group of patients with carcinoma [21]
The prevalence of alexithymia in HD patients, which ranges from 13% to 83%, is significantly higher in comparison with alexithymia levels in the general population, where the prevalence of alexithymia ranges from 4% to 13% [29]
Summary
End-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease defined as a state of reduced glomerular filtration rate with a creatinine clearance lower than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. In patients with CKD, there are signs of electrolyte imbalance and fluid overload with oliguria or anuria. With the aim of surviving and ensuring good-quality continuation of life, patients with this stage of CKD commence treatment with hemodialysis, a treatment method based on the physical process of diffusion of metabolic waste through the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer. A patient on hemodialysis (an HD patient) is recommended to follow a strict diet plan and reduce fluid intake; the time required for the treatment represents a physical and psychological stressor. Due to the high level of stressors and increased levels of caused frustrations in HD patients, with time, such patients start
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