Negative Thoughts Could Potentially Impact Health Outcomes

A recent study suggested preconceived notions can affect health outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

There are approximately 3 million people in the UK who have CKD, but are unaware of their condition due to a lack of symptoms until later stages of the disease.

Researchers found that negative thoughts and feelings can contribute to worsening of their condition, according to a study conducted at the University of Leicester.

“The studies we looked at suggested that patients, even in the earlier stages of the disease, experience a number of negative illness perceptions which influence the way they cope with their condition,” said researcher Amy Clarke. “The evidence suggests that understanding how patients feel about their condition should definitely not be underestimated and where possible we think working with patients to help them approach their illness more positively will have a huge impact on health outcomes.”

More research is needed to further determine how patients’ beliefs effect their illness, the researchers concluded.