Abstract

PINEDA, N et al. Niveles de Depresión y Sintomatología característica en pacientes adultos con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. AVFT [online]. 2004, vol.23, n.1, pp.74-78. ISSN 0798-0264.

Adults with Diabetes are twice more likely to suffer depression, and for this reason is important to know the relationship between depression, diabetes and how this affects an individuals quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine in adult type 2 diabetic patients, depression levels and its main symptoms. 40 type 2 diabetic patients, between 30 and 65 years of age, who assisted for the first time to the Endocrine - Metabolic Research Center "Dr. Félix Gómez", were studied. Depression levels were quantified using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results show that 55% of these patients had some level of depression. Female patients had higher levels of depressión than male patients (female 1,4 ± 0,2 vs. 0,4 ± male 0,1; p < 0,02) and more severe depressive symptoms than men. This study confirms the comorbility between depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus and shows the necesity of psycological treatment.

Keywords : Depression; Type 2 Diabetes mellitus; Quality of life.