Screening for depression in a diabetic outpatient population

Ella J. Daly, Madhukar H Trivedi, Philip Raskin, Bruce G. Grannemann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Depression occurs twice as often in patients with diabetes and is associated with reduced compliance with exercise, diet, and medications. It is also associated with hyperglycemia and increased diabetic complications. Despite evidence that successful treatment is associated with improved glycemic control, many cases of depression are left untreated. Objectives. (1) Evaluate a combination screening strategy in an outpatient population; and (2) explore the association between glycemic control and depressive symptomatology. Methods. Ninety-two patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2). Patients with a PHQ-2 score ≥ 1 completed the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16). Using the QIDS-SR16, a score of ≤5 corresponded to normal mood, with scores above 5 corresponding to increasing severity of depressive symptoms. Glycemic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results. Using a PHQ-2 cut-off score of ≥3, 37% of the sample screened positive for major depressive disorder (MDD), with an additional 27% reporting sub-threshold symptoms. The depressed group reported significantly more difficulty with reduced interests, insomnia, concentration, self-criticism, energy/fatigue and depressed mood. In terms of glycemic control, there was a marginally significant effect for race and HbA1c. Conclusion. The combined PHQ-2 and QIDS-SR16 can facilitate prompt detection of MDD and provide a means of monitoring specific symptoms and progress once treatment commences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-272
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
Volume11
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

Keywords

  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Screening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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