Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of sertraline combined with relaxation therapy on depression and quality of life in patients with uremia undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Methods A total of 84 patients with uremia undergoing maintenance hemodialysis admitted to our hospital from September 2016 to September 2018 were randomly divided into sertraline group and combined group, with 42 cases in each group. The sertraline group was given oral sertraline treatment, and the combined group was given relaxation therapy on the basis of sertraline treatment. The scores of Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD17) and Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) before and after intervention were compared between the two groups. The occurrence of adverse reactions during the intervention was observed and compared. Results There was no significant difference in HAMD17 score between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05). The HAMD17 score of the combined group was lower than that of the sertraline group after intervention (P < 0.05). Besides, HAMD17 scores in both groups were decreased after intervention (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health problems, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health based on SF-36 between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05). After intervention, the above scores in the combined group were higher than those in the sertraline group (P < 0.05), though these scores in both groups were increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidences of sleepiness, dizziness, sweating, constipation and the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups during intervention (P > 0.05). Conclusions Sertraline combined with relaxation therapy has a positive effect on the prevention of depression in patients with uremia undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, and can effectively improve the quality of life of patients. Thus, sertraline combined with relaxation therapy is safe and reliable.