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Research demonstrates that psychological factors are important for positive transplant outcomes, though there is little literature that synthesizes these factors in a comprehensive model among pediatric kidney transplant patients. This review analyzes psychological and psychosocial factors related to medical outcomes and overall well‐being post‐transplant by utilizing the PPPHM and referencing the existing literature on risk and resilience. Pediatric kidney transplant recipients are more susceptible to mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD, as well as developmental and neurocognitive delays, compared to healthy peers. Complex medical care and psychosocial needs for patients have implications for family functioning, parental and sibling mental health, and youth readiness to transition to adult care. It is important to carefully monitor patient functioning with empirically validated tools and to intervene in a multidisciplinary setting as early as possible to identify patients at risk and reduce potential negative impact. Psychologists are uniquely trained to assess and address these issues and are a valuable component of multidisciplinary, culturally competent care. While research in this expansive field is improving, more data are needed to establish gold standard approaches to mental health and psychosocial care in this population.

In 2015, the American Heart Association released a statement describing mood disorders (MDO) in youth, specifically major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BPD), as tier-II moderate-risk conditions predisposing to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We therefore sought to determine the prevalence of MDO among a high-risk population of children with overweight/obesity and a history of at least one elevated blood pressure (BP). We also aimed to determine if, among children with overweight and obesity, the presence of MDO was associated with modifiable risk factors such as macro and micronutrient intake, and if MDO could predict comorbid CVD risk factors, specifically hypertension and LVH. ; OR 1.13, P = .88). Overall, the prevalence of MDOs in this group of overweight/obese children with elevated blood pressure was well above national averages, suggesting that at-risk youth, particularly those with confirmed hypertension, should be regularly screened for MDOs.

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