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Diabetes and Depression: Pharmacologic Considerations
Author(s) -
AntaiOtong Deborah
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2007.00116.x
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , diabetes mellitus , medicine , type 2 diabetes , primary care , psychiatry , quality of life (healthcare) , health care , family medicine , nursing , endocrinology , economic growth , economics , macroeconomics
QUESTION: During the last year a large number of patients with type II diabetes have been referred from primary care providers for evaluation and treatment of major depression. I know research findings are inconsistent concerning the co‐occurrence of diabetes and depression, but what are the clinical implications for treating patients with diabetes and major depression?DEBORAH ANTAI‐OTONG RESPONDS: The precise relationship between diabetes and depression continues to be debated. However, most research implicates a positive correlation between depression and type II diabetes (Anderson, Freedland, Clouse, & Lustman, 2001;Nichols & Brown, 2003). Controversy about this relationship and necessity to screen patients presenting with diabetes exists as well (Brown, Sumit, Majumdar, & Johnson, 2006). Depression is widespread in patients with diabetes, but it often goes unrecognized and undertreated in primary care settings. Left untreated, depression can result in negative clinical outcomes, increased healthcare and economic burden, and a threat to overall health integrity and quality of life. Psychiatric nurses must be prepared to collaborate with primary care and other healthcare providers to screen patients with diabetes who are at risk for depression. Accurate diagnosis ensures the initiation of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments that reduce complications of both chronic diseases.