CHARLESTON, S.C. -- According to a new study, certain factors link diabetes and depression.
Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston, conducted a study to determine if independent factors could be associated with depression in diabetics. Information gathered from the 1999 National Health Interview Survey was used to evaluate common factors in 1,810 diabetic Americans.
Depressed individuals with diabetes, when compared to depressed non-diabetics, were found to have more primary care and emergency room visits. They were also more likely to visit a psychiatrist or mental health professional. However, researchers say, "The pattern of visits to psychiatrists or mental health professionals did not differ by diabetes status." In fact, less than 30 percent of depressed individuals reported visiting just a psychiatrist, regardless of diabetic status.
Researchers also found diabetics who possessed an education level of at least high school and who smoked, had poor health, and lived under a low economic status were all associated more closely with depression than non-diabetics. Diabetic females, or those under age 54, were also more likely to experience depression.
In conclusion, the researchers write, "This study has identified independent factors that are associated with major depressive disorder in individuals with diabetes."
Source: Ivanhoe Newswire: Diabetes Care, 2003;26:104-111.
January 2003 News Article Index
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