Anxiety and depression in hemodialysis: Validation of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

Anxiety and depression are considered as frequent disorders in end-stage renal disease patients. However studies on this topic are almost nonexistent in France. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS, Zigmond Et Snaith, 1983) is a well-used instrument in the international literature. Fast and easy to administer, it measures anxiety and depression symptomatology in physically ill patients. The purpose of the present study was to test the psychometric properties of the scale within a French sample of 207 hemodialysis patients. Exploratory factor analysis yielded two factors: anxiety and depression. Further analysis showed that the two factors presented good internal consistency, were significantly correlated to patient's age and quality of life, but were not associated with years on dialysis. Moreover, differences were found for gender and dialysis modality (self-care units versus in center). The results of this study underline the relevance of using the HADS to identify anxiety and depression and confirm the importance to take into account these disorders to enhance patient's quality of life and global care. (c) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS and Association Societe de Nephrologie. All rights reserved.