Renal dialysis is a life saving, chronic medical procedure for those patients whose kidneys no longer function. However, the psychological reactions to this procedure, which necessitates a state of passivity for several hours, often overshadow the medical implications, and, in some instances, are decisive in terms of the patient's adjustment to treatment. Frequently, patients are unable to
... [Show full abstract] utilize individual psychotherapy to its maximum because of their need to perceive their illness as only medical. Group therapy however provides a less threatening psychological milieu and tends to give rise to peer support and mutual interaction.