The Psychiatrist, the Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure, and the Prolongation of Life: III
HARRY S. ABRAM M.D.1
1 Professor of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn. 37203
A study of 30 kidney transplant patients who had received cadaver homografts focused on their overall adaptation, changes in life-style, and the occurrence of the themes of rebirth, ambivalence over accepting a cadaver organ, and death. In general the problems in living with a transplanted kidney did not appear to be overwhelming. Many of the patients expressed relief at their escape from the rigors of dialysis.
