Do Some Diabetics Suffer from Depression

06/19/06 General, Disease Basics, Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment Options, Living Well

What can you learn from 145 youth, and some insight from their parents, when you ask them specific questions about depression? In a recent study, Harvard researchers learned that depression is more common among young Type I diabetics then their peers who do not battle diabetes.

Researchers interviewed kids between the age of ten and eighteen, and asked them the questions from a common psychological test, the Children’s Depression Inventory. They also administered a questionnaire called the Diabetes Family Conflict Scale. They found that:

• 15.2% of the youth with diabetes exhibited symptoms of depression. In the general population of ten to 18 year olds, one would expect six to ten percent of youth to report depression symptoms.

• Kids that exhibited symptoms of depression also tended to have higher A1C levels, report more family conflict, and exhibit negative affect (unpleasant outlook and attitude).

The 2006 clinical guidelines published by the ADA, coach physicians and other health care providers to recognize possible indicators of depression. It reads: “Screening for psychosocial problems such as depression, eating disorders, and cognitive impairment is needed when adherence to the medical regimen is poor.”

When kids are not complying with their doctor’s advice, it is a sign that depression could be present.

It would be irresponsible to speculate if diabetes by itself is a major cause of depression. However, we all remember being a kid. We know that managing diabetes is a challenge as a routine. It also could be socially awkward is some social situations. Furthermore, your body is working harder because it is fighting the disease. That can wear down you physical and emotional health.

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Adults living with diabetes have a higher risk of developing depression. The National Institutes of Mental Health created this document. It outlines some of the symptoms of depression. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms it mentions, talk to your doctor. You don’t even need to make an appointment. A phone call may actually be easier. Your doctor has listened to many people as they have battled depression. She or he has opened doors to help them. Within a few days or weeks the sorrow often starts to depart, and emotional healing starts to progress.