Emma K. Massey|Leonieke W. Kranenburg|Willij Zuidema|G. Hak|Ruud A.M. Erdman|Medard Hilhorst|Jan N.M. IJzermans|Jan J. J. V. Busschbach|Willem Weimar
Encouraging Psychological Outcomes After Altruistic Donation to a Stranger
Erasmus University Rotterdam|Erasmus MC
growing number transplant centers worldwide altruistic donors accepted anonymously donate kidney stranger important hesitation expand transplantation programs fear evoking psychological distress altruistic donor donation extent fear justified yet systematically investigated study 24 altruistic donors interviewed average 2 years donation lifetime mental health history current psychological complaints satisfaction impact donation wellbeing motives donation communication recipient donation experience assessed altruistic donors report considerable positive impact donation psychological wellbeing whereas negative impact limited satisfaction donation high although history psychiatric diagnosis ascertained almost half donors psychological complaints donation comparable national average norm scores motives donation genuine experience donation generally conformed expectations conclusion living kidney donation stranger appear exacerbate psychological complaints moreover altruistic donors report considerable satisfaction personal benefit exceptional gift altruistic donors contribute toward solving current organ shortage issue