Assessment of depression as a comorbidity in patients of diabetes mellitus

Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic levels globally. Depression as a comorbidity in patients with Diabetes Mellitus has been reported by many studies. The coexistence of diabetes and depression is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare cost. The reports of studies are conflicting and the exact mechanisms linking depression and diabetes are unclear. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence as well as the correlation of depression with socio demographic profile, duration of disease state, presence of complications and effect of therapeutic intervention in patients with Diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted with an aim of assessing depression as a comorbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus. Depression was assessed using the patient health questionairre-9 (PHQ-9). Results: Depression as defined by PHQ score ?5 was present in 45% of the individuals. Severe depression (PHQ score ?15) was present in 8% subjects, moderate depression (PHQ score ?10) in 14% subjects, and mild depression was present in 23% of subjects. Coexisting depression in patients with diabetes was associated with decreased adherence to treatment, poor metabolic control, higher complication rates, decreased quality of life and increased disability. Depression was significantly more prevalent in rural subjects (59%) as compared to urban ones (26%). Conclusion: Coordinated strategies for clinical care are necessary to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the burden of illness. Currently, recognition of depression among individuals with diabetes is suboptimal, therefore global approaches to establish coordinated, multifaceted interventions to improve early recognition of depression and early initiation of treatment for depression are required to reduce the worldwide burden of depression among individuals with diabetes.