Evaluation of psychological problems in diabetic patients

ABSTRACT

Psychological problems can arise following a general medical condition, especially chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence and type of psychological problems in patients with diabetes mellitus. In this cross-sectional study, the subjects included 125 volunteers [75 female and 50 male] with diabetes referring to diabetes clinic of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Patients completed symptoms checklist SCL-90-R and a demographic form. The results showed that 40% of patients suffered from a psychological disorder, including depression [0.82], obsessive compulsive disorders [0.78], somatic disorders [0.67] and anxiety [0.67]. There was a significant relationship between psychological disorders and duration of diabetes [p<0/001]. A significant relationship was also observed between psychological problems and insulin dependent diabetes [P<0.016], complications of diabetes mellitus such as retinopathy [P<0.007], neuropathy [P<0.020] and HbAlc [P<0.001]. Gender, diabetes type and family history of diabetes were not correlated with psychological problems. Our finding indicates that psychological problems are common in patient with diabetes. Therefore, routine psychological assessment in patient with diabetes for early diagnosis is recommended