Authors: Whiting, Matthew; Scammell, Amy; Gray, Jeremy; Schepers, Astrid K.; Bifulco, Antonia

Source: Primary Care Mental Health, Volume 4, Number 3, September 2006 , pp. 175-184(10)

Publisher: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.

Abstract:

Aim: To examine the associations of diabetes with depression and stress, and to examine these factors in relation to self-care, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Method: Fourteen general practices in Wandsworth, South London were selected for having high rates of patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 389 questionnaires were returned from patients from these practices identified with type 2 diabetes. Questionnaires covered depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, HAD), severe life event (List of Threatening Experiences, LTE) and self-care activities (Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities, SDSCA). In addition, a subgroup of 16 patients identified as depressed on the HAD scale were approached for interview.

Results: One-third of the sample had depression, and depression was associated with severe life events. In terms of self-care, poorer diet was associated with depression and the presence of a severe life event. Lack of exercise was similarly associated with depression and severe life event. Interviews highlighted the difficulty of keeping to good self-care regimes when depressed and/or under stress. Interviewees also described their experience of having diabetes as stigmatising and isolating because of problems with socialising, especially drinking and eating restrictions. Respondents noted that coping with diabetes can be very stressful, particularly immediately following diagnosis, and this can increase feelings of depression. Some respondents felt that primary care professionals failed to meet the emotional needs they experienced as a result of their diabetes.

Conclusions: Understanding the role of stress and depression in coping with diabetes is important in providing a full picture of prevention and treatment options.

Keywords: DEPRESSION; DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2; PRIMARY CARE; STRESS

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-09-01

More about this publication?

• Now published as Mental Health in Family Medicine
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Psychology
• By this author: Whiting, Matthew ;  Scammell, Amy ;  Gray, Jeremy ;  Schepers, Astrid K. ;  Bifulco, Antonia

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers