title: Depression in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the prevalence and correlates of depression among Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, from October 2007 to June 2008, 141 peritoneal dialysis patients were recruited from a local renal clinic. All participants were interviewed by the first author using the Chinese bilingual version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Axis I) to identify patients suffering from major depressive disorders and psychiatric illnesses associated with elevated depressive symptoms. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. Co-morbid medical illnesses and perceived social support were assessed by standardised questionnaires, namely: the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, and the Chinese version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSSC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The point prevalence of a current major depressive episode was 16%; another 21% had had at least 1 past episode of major depression. Low MSPSS-C score, muscle cramps, chronic back pain, joint stiffness, and receipt of Social Security Allowance were independent correlates of elevated depressive symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of depression was higher in Chinese patients receiving peritoneal dialysis. Independent correlates are useful to help physicians identify patients suffering from depressive disorders in busy renal clinics.
authors.affiliation: Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China. clkedmond@gmail.com
authors.forename: Lap Kei
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Edwin Chi Shing
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Seung Yau
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support