| [ Summary ] |
There has been an increase in the number of the renal transplants from living relatives, in Japan. Over 80 % of all renal transplants are in this category, with under 17 % being from cadaveric sources. The number of cadaveric donors is decreasing. In relation to living donors, anxiety, fear of physical vulnerability, possible complications (including disabilities, or death) triggered by hospitalization may be negative factors for donors. A sense of guilt and / or self-blame, or an effort to receive rewards or compensation is seen with recipients and donors and introjection, probiosis, regression, are often seen in post transplant donors. In relation to recipients, anxiety, guilt and anger are very common psychological issues before the operation. There are a number of young adults who display marked anger and short tempers along with aggression and acting-out behavior as their defense mechanisms. Depression is one significant problem in both recipients and donors after failed transplants, but also after successful renal transplants. This condition is called “paradoxical depression”. |