In this research, we sought to learn about the social representations on chronic renal failure (CRF) and the treatment elaborated by depressed or non-depressed patients in the context of hemodialysis. As many as 26 nephrology patients participated, with ages ranging from 22 and 73 years old (M=44,19; SD=11,83), who responded to a semi-structured interview and to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results showed that 20% had depression symptoms. The depression-syndrome patients pointed out, in their representations on the CRF, the diagnosis' impact over their lives, which was permeated by feelings such as fear of dying and refusal to initiate the treatment. The non-depression patients highlighted elements associated both with the treatment's positive results and with the support received by the family. Outcomes indicate the relevance of an inter-disciplinary approach that focuses on the psycho-social and nutritional support in the treatment of renal diseases.
Chronic renal failure; Hemodialysis; ALCESTE; Social representations; Depression
