Bagher Larijani, Maryam Khoramshahee, Mahbobe Khalilygorgany, Fatehem Bandarian, Shahin Akhondzadeh,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (5-2004)
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders in diabetics, which affects treatment course and disease prognosis. This study focuses on the association between diabetes and depression as well as depression and glycemic control.
Methods: 375 diabetic patients (type I and II) of diabetes clinic of Doctor Shariati Hospital and diabetes association of Iran participated in this cross-sectional study.Patients were screened for depression with Beck Depression Inventory. Then depressed subjects were
evaluated with DSM IV criteria for determination of the depressive disorders category.
Results: Depression was diagnosed with Beck Depression Inventory in 41.9% of patients. Of these patients major depressive disorder was defined in 23.7%, dysthymic disorder in 9.3% and association of two disorders in 0.8% of patients. Major depressive disorder was more prevalent in 31-59 year old group and dysthymic disorder in more than 60 year age group. Also depression was more prevalent in
women, diabetics with uncontrolled blood glucose and patients with diabetes complications.
Conclusion: Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder in diabetics, which is associated with female gender, poor glycemic control and diabetes complications. Therefore, glycemic control and prevention and treatment of diabetes complications can prevent depressive disorders in diabetics.
