Introduction
Advancements in the organ transplantation field and awareness about organ donation have increased the rate of organ transplantation in the last decade. It has given new hope to patients suffering from end-stage organ diseases. At the same time, it has also given rise to unique problems along with transplantation-related complications. Mental health issues among the recipients while waiting for the organ and during the post-transplantation period are serious. They need to be addressed seriously.
What Is Organ Transplantation?
Organ transplantation is the process of transferring healthy organs into a patient's body. Heart, kidney, lungs, liver, etc.—these organs are transplanted with the use of transplantation surgery.
There are four types of organ transplantation is included they are,
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Xenograft - It is a transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another species. For example, a pig's heart valve is transplanted into humans.
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Isograft - Tissue or organ transplantation occurs between identical twins.
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Allograft - Transplantation of organs or tissues from one individual to another. The liver is transplanted from one human to another.
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Autograft - Tissues or organs transplanted from an individual into the same individual. An example of this autograft is a skin transplant, replacing healthy skin with injured or burned skin.
What Are the Symptoms and Risks That Occur After Transplantation?
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When the body attacks a transplanted organ because it recognizes it as a foreign organism or infection, it rejects the organ. Immunosuppressants, or anti-rejection medications, regulate the immune system to prevent auto rejection.
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Patients with a history of anxiety frequently experience an increase in their symptoms during transplantation surgery. Patients worry about their health, the results of their transplant examination, and whether they will receive a transplant before they have surgery.
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Acute Tubular Necrosis occurs due to the late function of the transplanted kidney, but it occurs after some days of surgery. It is also known as delayed graft function.
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During the procedure, blood loss may occur, which may also lead to some complications.
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Patients are more susceptible to infections as a result of the immunosuppressive drugs being taken to avoid rejection in the organ transplant.
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The most important complications are infection, acute rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy and malignancy.
What Type of Mental Health Services Are Required for Transplant Patients?
It is normal to have an emotional weakness such as anxiety or depression during the transplantation surgery. Psychiatry's contribution to the field of transplantation has advanced significantly, from its first role in the pre-transplant evaluation of patients to its current role in public education regarding the significance of organ donation. Physicians guide people to manage these situations.
Some patients may have previous medical-related problems, and the people are more vulnerable to developing these symptoms and psychiatric problems. Transplant patients are most commonly affected by mood and anxiety disorders, which are the most significant mental issues. There is reappearance of an earlier mental health issue.
The formation of a new condition, triggered by drug side effects or as a response to the sickness process and transplant. Physicians help to reduce symptoms and psychotic disorders. Managing these conditions may require a consultant to reduce the emotional status of people.
What Are the Types of Pretransplant Issues?
The mental health issues among transplant recipients can be divided into two types:
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Pretransplant issues like fear of death, anxiety about the procedure, and financial and psychosocial issues.
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Post-transplant issues like fear of organ rejection, dependence on family members, adjustment disorder, etc.
Pretransplant Issues:
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The organ donation awareness is still very low, and every year, many patients die waiting for the organs. Cultural factors, lack of awareness, and lack of motivation among health professionals contribute to ignorance about organ donation.
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Patients with an end-stage organ disease would be waiting for the organ for months.
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During this period, they would have multiple hospital admissions for the stabilization of their present condition.
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Fear of death would take over. Anxiety disorders are common at this stage and will lead to major depression. Many patients will have anxiety about the procedure and its outcome.
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End-stage kidney and liver disease often leads to encephalopathy. This leads to cognitive deficits as well.
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The financial burden will greatly impact the family, and at least one or two members should be dedicated to patient care.
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At this stage, medications for major depression or anxiety are avoided because of the complex dynamics of the end-stage organ disease.
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Psychotherapy is the preferred treatment option. For the family, supportive therapy is given to reduce burnout.
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Completely necessary information about the procedure, realistic expectations about getting the organ, and the outcome should be explained.
Post-transplant Issues:
The early post-transplant period is very crucial, as the organ rejection threat is significant in that period. The patient should be given high-quality care. Later on, the patient might suffer from adjustment disorder, psychosomatic disorders, depression, and PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).
These issues can also be addressed with the help of psychotherapy and group therapy. Group therapy is very important; the affected person can share their experiences and chalk out their coping skills.
Overall, awareness about organ donation should increase to provide benefits for a lot of patient's lives.
Conclusion
To reduce the possibility that human patients may reject pig organs, scientists have created a genetically altered pig that matches the characteristics of human organ donors. Although this research is still in its early stages, it has the potential to substantially decrease the waiting lists for organ transplants, as there are more recipients of organs than there are donors of organs. Campaigns that have been carefully organized and regularly carried out, reaching out to all areas of society, can raise public awareness of the importance and value of donation and transplantation.
