Suicide in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients from an External Locus of Control Framework

Abstract

Long-term hemodialysis patients have an alarmingly high suicide rate. Deaths that result from the patient's lack of adherence to the treatment regimen have in the past been viewed from a suicidal framework. The authors suggest that such behavior may be more fruitfully regarded as an attempt by the patient to reduce the anxiety resulting from the recognition of his tremendous responsibility in the treatment program.