Frequency and severity of depression in diabetic adults using tablet and insulin

Introduction: Mental and behavioral sciences researchers believe that burden of
diabetes, its acute of chronic complications and first experience of feeling
helpless are among predictable crises in which the affected person faces with
affective and mood disorders including depression. This study was conducted to
evaluate the prevalence and severity of depression in diabetic adults referring to
Nader Kazemi diabetes clinic in Shiraz.
Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study done in 2002-2003
by random sampling, in which 100 diabetic adults who had referred to Nader
Kazemi Diabetes clinic of Shiraz were selected. They were treated by either
tablet or insulin. The survey included Beck Depression Inventory (21 questions)
and demographic information checklist. Data analysis was done by SPSS
software, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Fisher tests. P<0.05 was considered
statistically significant.
Results: The findings indicate that 71.4% of the under study population under study
suffered from depression in which, 77.4% of them use tablets and 67.2% use insulin.
Also the results show that depression is more prevalent in women than in men
(P<0.05). No statistically significant correlation was observed between treatment
modality and depression severity. Also by increasing educational level, the
depression percentage reduced (P<0.02). In addition, unemployed persons
experienced more depression than employed ones. No correlation was seen between
depression and age, marital status and economic situation.
Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of depression in the study population in
comparison to other people in society, and ineffectiveness of blood glucose
regulators (treatment modality) on frequency and severity of depression, a
combination of medication plus psychotherap