Depressive symptomatology in adults with diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus has a strong association with the presence of depression. Depression occurs at high rates among individuals with diabetes mellitus and several studies suggest that diabetes doubles the risk of depression. The rate of complications in diabetic patients might be increased with comorbid. Authors aimed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in adult diabetic patients using Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]. This descriptive study consisted of 88 diabetic patients [age 23-72 years] attending the diabetes outpatient center of Derna, Libya from June 2008 to December 2008. Depressive symptoms were measured by using the Beck Depression Inventory, Arabic version [Ibrahem and Alansary, 2001]. The mean age of patients was 52.18 +/- 13.7 years, 59.1% were males. Severe depression score was diagnosed in 16 [18.2%]; moderate depression score in 36 [40.9%]; and mild/ normal depression score in 36 [40.9%] of diabetic patients. More men than women with diabetes reported symptoms of severe to moderate depression [61.5% vs. 35.7%, P < 0.01]. A significant association was found between depression and complications of diabetes [r = 0.29, P < 0.01]. All patients with severe depression score [18.2%]; had retinopathy and neuropathy complications. The prevalence of depression in Derna diabetics is high. There is growing recognition within the medical community that depression has a strong influence on health outcomes. Screening for depression in patients with diabetes is recommended