EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ANTIDEPRESSANT USE IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem, as it affects approximately 10% of the global population. It is a condition that can lead to numerous complications, such as depression. The prevalence of depression is estimated to be 20–25% among individuals with CKD. In this context, the relationship between these two comorbidities is multifactorial and influenced by chronic pain, fatigue, and decreased appetite. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antidepressant use for the treatment of depression associated with CKD. An integrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library, and LILACS databases, and a total of 22 articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies mainly used SSRIs as antidepressants, most commonly sertraline. However, there are controversies regarding the safety of their use in patients with CKD, especially those undergoing hemodialysis. Furthermore, many of the studies present short-term evaluations and small sample sizes. Therefore, further research in this area is essential, as a considerable proportion of CKD patients suffer from mental disorders.