Behavioral support in kidney disease showed mixed mental health results
A review found steadier improvements in confidence to manage illness and physical function than in depression or anxiety among adults with chronic kidney disease.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Psychological and behavioral approaches showed consistent improvements in confidence to manage illness and physical function, with moderate certainty. Mental health findings were less settled: depression results were mixed, including worsening in one study, while anxiety remained uncertain. These findings concern adults with chronic kidney disease who were not receiving dialysis or transplantation; kidney function results were also inconclusive.
Methodological differences prevented pooled effect estimates. Inconsistency and imprecision left several outcomes unresolved; the abstract does not specify control treatments or follow-up periods.
What researchers found
Depression outcomes with psychological or behavioral interventions
Comparator treatments and follow-up periods were not specified; the abstract reports worsening depression in one study.
What kinds of support were tested
The trials evaluated cognitive behavioral therapy, training in confidence to manage illness, mindfulness, and physical activity. Delivery varied across digital, telephone, and in-person formats, so the review does not isolate a single support program.
Positive results need the right scale
The reviewers summarized patterns across studies instead of calculating a pooled average benefit. Their percentages of positive results describe findings in the evidence, not the percentage of patients whose health improved.
The original publication
Do psycho-behavioural interventions improve mental and physical health in chronic kidney disease? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
Schmill P, Seaton N, Greenwood S et al.
J Nephrol · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40928635
- Record checked
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