Mental health and addiction service utilization among people living with chronic kidney disease.

This article examines the utilization of mental health and addiction services among adults with varying levels of kidney function, including those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and individuals receiving maintenance dialysis, in Ontario, Canada. Using population-based administrative health data from 2009 to 2017, the study found that although mental health and addiction service use was common overall (34%), individuals with advanced CKD (eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m²) and those on dialysis had lower adjusted prevalence ratios of service utilization (0.81 and 0.83, respectively) compared to those with normal kidney function (eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m²). Most mental health care was delivered in outpatient primary care settings for non-psychotic disorders, with less outpatient service use accounting for the lower utilization in advanced CKD. The findings suggest potential gaps in mental health care access or referral for individuals with advanced CKD, highlighting the need for integrated mental health and renal care strategies.