16 Sep Standardized Clinical Interview Evaluates Depression in Diabetes Patients
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Prof. Cathy Lloyd
Dr Cathy E. Lloyd
Professor of Health Studies
School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care
Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies
The Open University
Milton Keynes UK
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: We know from earlier epidemiological research that people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing depression and other mental health problems compared to those without diabetes. However the impact of this and what treatment and care should be provided is still unclear, in particular in countries other than the US or the UK.
Our study aims to redress that imbalance, collecting data on diabetes and depression in 16 countries across the globe.
Ours is the first study to measure depressive symptoms but also use a standardised clinical interview to diagnose depression according to ICD criteria.
Overall 10.6% received a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), however prevalence rates differed widely between countries with 1% diagnosed with MDD in Uganda and nearly 30% in Bangladesh. Twenty-five percent reported subthreshold levels (PHQ-9 score 5 -9) of depression. Those with MDD were significantly more likely to be female and living in an urban rather than rural location (p<0.001). Age and duration of diabetes did not significantly differ between those with and without MDD. Multi-variable analyses demonstrated that while controlling for country, a diagnosis of MDD was significantly associated with female sex, lower education, taking insulin, less exercise, higher levels of diabetes-related distress and a previous diagnosis of MDD. A negligible proportion of those with either MDD or subthreshold levels of depression had a diagnosis or any treatment for their depression recorded in their medical records.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Depression, diabetes –related distress and depressive symptoms are common in people with diabetes. Documented evidence of any mental or emotional problems however, is extremely poor. The treating physician may not have asked about depression or the patients may not have reported any symptoms. Alternatively, reports of depression may have not been documented in the clinic records, or may have been recorded elsewhere. All these explanations point to a lack of joined-up holistic care which is vital if we are to provide the best possible treatment and care for people with diabetes.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: We are following-up our participants in order to examine the care pathways of those with depression – studies like this are urgently needed so that best practice, in the context of each country’s health care system, can be recommended.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: This study is taking place in 15 countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Thailand Uganda and Ukraine and could not have taken place without the dedication of all the investigators involved.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
EASD 2016 abstract:
Diabetes and mental health: the INTERPRET-DD Study
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on September 16, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD