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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe two challenges to the accurate measurement of depression in persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to describe two challenges to the accurate measurement of anxiety in persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Depression is of high prevalence among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent studies indicate that over 40% of persons with T2DM have comorbid depression. Depression is more common among women with T2DM than among men, but the rates for both have increased dramatically in the past decade. Depression is reported to be significantly related to nonadherence to diabetes treatment regimens. Anxiety is a frequent concomitant of depression. Psychological symptoms may be related to glycemic control. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the challenges of measuring depression and anxiety in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and to identify criteria for the selection of instruments appropriate for use in this population.
Methods: Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) were searched for reports of primary analyses of the influence of depression or anxiety on adherence to T2DM treatment regimens (diet, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, medication usage) in people with T2DM. The search was limited to studies of adult participants published in English.
Results: Systematic review of the studies meeting the search parameters is ongoing. Many more studies address the proposed link between depression and adherence to treatment regimen than address the proposed link between anxiety and adherence.
Conclusion: This systematic review and measurement critique will discuss the link between depression or anxiety and adherence to type 2 diabetes treatment. The challenges created by instruments commonly used to assess depression and anxiety in persons with T2DM will be critiqued. Because study results may be skewed because of the instruments used, recommendations for the selection of instruments for future research will be made.