mourning reaction
mourning reaction
A popular term for the 3–12 month period of depression, disillusionment and discouragement that follows the euphoria stage in patients on chronic haemodialysis.Patients initially deny illness, then recognise that they have lost their health and independence and have an uncertain future, having difficulty in performing their jobs and in meeting familial and financial obligations. The mourning reaction is further characterised by role reversal, marital difficulties and changes in functions. The suicide rate among haemodialysis patients is said to be 300-fold greater than the general population.