Cognitive behavioral therapy.

IntroductionNon-adherence is a common challenge among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on improving treatment adherence in hemodialysis patients, with a control group receiving standard care.Materials and methodsNinety hemodialysis patients were equally randomized into ERT, CBT, and control groups (N = 30 each group), with six attrition cases per group. Baseline demographics (age, BMI, dialysis duration, education) showed no significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). Adherence was assessed across five domains: dialysis, medication, fluid intake, dietary regimen, and total adherence. A MANCOVA/ANCOVA model analyzed changes at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up, controlling for baseline characteristics.ResultsBoth intervention groups demonstrated significant adherence improvements post-treatment versus controls (P DiscussionWhile both therapies enhanced adherence, CBT produced greater short-term improvements, particularly in behavioral domains (fluid/dietary compliance), whereas ERT showed better maintenance of medication adherence. The differential trajectory patterns suggest CBT’s structured behavioral strategies may offer immediate benefits, while ERT’s emotion-focused techniques could support longer-term regimen acceptance. Integration of both approaches into renal care protocols may optimize adherence outcomes.