Should Psychotic Experience Contraindicate Organ Transplant? A Narrative Review

Abstract

The scarcity of organs for transplant and significant rates of organ transplantation failure mean it is important to identify factors relating to transplant success and failure. Experiencing psychosis or mania is often seen as a contraindication for transplant, and many transplant teams have been cautious at transplanting people with significant mental health difficulties. In this paper we explore whether there is any evidence to support this attitude towards psychiatric diagnosis and transplantation; consider modifiable risks to transplantation; and ask what is needed to provide equitable care for individuals with experience of psychosis. To place context to our discussion, we present the experience of a person who had a history of psychotic experience and who was assessed for double lung transplant.