DEPRESSION AND DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression among diabetic patients is twice as high as in the generalpopulation. CONCLUSIONS The authors want to turn attention to this problem, considering also the previous findingsof epidemiological surveys, and try to explain the possible causes of comorbidity. Biological, psychological, and socio-economic factors concerning the interrelation between depression and diabetes are discussed in more detail. The authors emphasize the co-influence between the diseases, which can complicate the treatment or accelerate the progressionof both of them, especially when depression in diabetic patients is not recognized, and isconsequently not properly treated. Basic approaches to treatment of depressive symptomsin diabetic patients based on the use of antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapyare described