Samaritan Health Services

By Scott Safford, PhD

Numerous studies indicate a significant link between depression and diabetes. These studies suggest between 20 and 40 percent of people with diabetes have moderate to severe depressive symptoms. This association is particularly strong among individuals with multiple chronic health conditions. Whether depression is a risk factor for, or consequence of diabetes, is not completely clear. It is likely both are true. Managing diabetes and its effects on one’s body can result in significant psychological distress. On the other hand, depressed individuals are less likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and eating appropriately. Depression also has been shown to affect metabolic processes, including glucose metabolization. These studies illustrate how depression can have both a direct and indirect effect on the development of diabetes.

Research shows diabetics who are depressed tend to have higher functional impairment, more difficulties with diabetes related self-care (e.g., medication, diet and exercise compliance), poorer communication with their health care providers and lower quality of
life. Therefore, addressing depression may go a long way toward improving health outcomes and overall quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Fortunately, a number of effective interventions exist for treating depression in individuals with diabetes. Several antidepressants have been demonstrated to be effective at reducing depression in diabetics. There are also several psychotherapy interventions that have been shown to be as effective as medication in addressing depression. Psychotherapy can improve mood and help individuals develop better coping strategies, reduce negative thinking patterns, work on conflictual relationship issues that may be contributing to distress and help individuals develop individualized strategies for incorporating better diet, exercise and improved medical treatment compliance into their life — all with the added benefit of no side effects. Please talk with your primary care physician if you think a referral might be appropriate for you!

Dr. Safford is a psychologist at Heartspring Wellness Center, in Albany and Corvallis, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression and managing psychological factors associated with chronic health conditions. He can be reached in Corvallis at (541) 768-6412 or in Albany at (541) 812-5656.