One of the common symptoms of PKD that can have a profound impact on a person's mental health is chronic pain. Having to deal with pain over a significant period of time can lead to:
- Increased Stress and Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep Disturbances
- Social Isolation
- Decreased Quality of Life
- Impaired Concentration and Memory
- Loss of Identity
- Increased Risk of Substance Abuse
- Anger and Irritability
- Thoughts of self-harm
It's crucial for individuals experiencing chronic pain to seek support from healthcare professionals, such as nephrologists, pain specialists, therapists, and psychiatrists, to address both the physical and mental aspects of their condition and develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to their needs.
The PKD Foundation of Canada has some pain and PKD resources on our website, and a video on pain and PKD from our 2023 PKD Summit held last November.
