Anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes

Abstract

To identify the prevalence and major determinants of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes. A cross-sectional study of 2049 people with Types 1 and 2 diabetes, selected from patients experiencing three different models of care in Ireland: (i) traditional mixed care; (ii) hospital/general practitioner (GP) shared care; (iii) structured GP care. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Analyses were conducted primarily using logistic regression with adjustment for relevant confounders. The overall response rate was 71% (n = 1456). Based on the HADS, there was evidence of high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes; 32.0% (95% confidence interval = 29.5-34.6%) exceeded the HADS cut-off score of 'mild to severe' anxiety and 22.4% (95% confidence interval = 20.2-24.7%) exceeded the HADS cut-off score of 'mild to severe' depression. Diabetes complications, smoking, uncertainty about glycaemic control and being an ex-drinker or a heavy drinker were risk factors for both higher anxiety and depression scores in multivariate analysis. Female gender and poor glycaemic control were risks factors associated only with higher anxiety scores. Higher socio-economic status and older age were protective factors for lower anxiety and depression scores. Type of diabetes, insulin use, marital status and models of care were not significant predictors of anxiety and depression scores. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes is considerably higher than in general population samples. These data serve as a benchmark for the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes.