Psychological Aspects and Psychopharmacologic Treatment in the Very Early Period After Kidney Transplantation: Role of a Multidisciplinary Approach

BACKGROUND: In the context of kidney transplantation (KT), multidisciplinary interventions, including assessment and management of psychosocial aspects, are important to improve transplant's outcome. The aim of this study was to describe a multidisciplinary team approach to KT, with a specific focus on early detection and treatment of psychological distress and psychopathologic conditions in the early phase postsurgery. METHODS: The multidisciplinary team in kidney transplantation was implemented in January 2016. In this team approach, all transplant recipients are invited to 3 scheduled appointments for a multidisciplinary evaluation at 1, 3, and 6 months posttransplant, including a psychiatric interview, with the aim to assess the patient's adjustment after transplantation and provide support when necessary. RESULTS: This pilot study involved all 41 KT recipients consecutively referred for the first multidisciplinary appointment after transplantation. Five subjects (12% of the study sample) presented with a current psychiatric diagnosis. Psychopharmacologic treatment was confirmed or introduced for all these patients. Further psychological support was suggested to 4 other patients (10%). CONCLUSION: KT significantly improves patients' quality of life. However, the percentage of subjects receiving psychopharmacologic treatment and referred for further psychological and psychiatric support (22%) suggests the need for careful monitoring of psychosocial aspects over the long term.