Levels and Risks of Depression and Anxiety Symptomatology Among Diabetic Adults

OBJECTIVE To determine levels of depression and anxiety symptoms among adults with diabetes and identify factors associated with increased risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study administered self-report symptom inventories to patients at the beginning (n = 634) and end (n = 578) of an outpatient diabetes education program. Subjects (n = 246) contacted by mail 6 months later completed the same instruments. RESULTS Rates of disturbance for depression (41.3%; 95% CI: 37.4–45.2%) and anxiety (49.2%; 95% CI: 45.3–53.1%) were higher than those typical in the general population (10–20%). Probability of disturbance ranged from 5–7% for those with the lowest risk profile to 82–92% for those with the highest risk profile. Diabetes-related complications were the only disease factor associated with significantly increased risk of disturbance. Women and those with less education were at much higher risk. Only 13% of those followed for 6 months were disturbed at all three time-points. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes is associated with increased risk of psychological disturbance, especially for those with more diabetes-related complications. Sociodemographic factors account for much of the risk differential among people with diabetes.

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