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Psychosocial adjustment to diabetes‐related lower limb amputation
Author(s) -
Coffey L.,
Gallagher P.,
Horgan O.,
Desmond D.,
MacLachlan M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2009.02802.x
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , hospital anxiety and depression scale , anxiety , amputation , depression (economics) , population , diabetes mellitus , phantom limb , distress , physical therapy , psychiatry , clinical psychology , endocrinology , environmental health , economics , macroeconomics
Aim To examine psychosocial adjustment in persons with lower limb amputations related to diabetes. Methods Thirty‐eight participants with diabetes‐related lower limb amputations, recruited from two limb‐fitting centres, completed three psychological self‐report assessments: the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); and the Amputation Body Image Scale—Revised (ABIS‐R). Results Over 18% of participants scored above the normal range (> 8) for depression on the HADS and 18.5% scored above the normal range for anxiety. Both depression ( ρ = 0.75, P < 0.01) and anxiety ( ρ = 0.62, P < 0.01) scores were significantly associated with body image disturbance, as measured using the ABIS‐R. Significant relationships were also observed between body image disturbance and three TAPES subscales measuring psychosocial adjustment [general adjustment ( ρ = −0.48, P < 0.01), social adjustment ( ρ = −0.51, P < 0.01), adjustment to limitations ( ρ = −0.45, P < 0.05)]. Conclusions Individuals with diabetes‐related amputations may be at elevated risk for psychological distress as a result of their co‐morbid medical condition. Regular screening for anxiety and depression and the provision of appropriate follow‐up care may therefore be advisable in this population.