Frequency and severity of depression in diabetic adults using tablet and

Introduction: Mental and behavioral sciences researchers believe that burden of diabetes, its acute of chronic complications and first experience of feeling helpless are among predictable crises in which the affected person faces with affective and mood disorders including depression. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and severity of depression in diabetic adults referring to Nader Kazemi diabetes clinic in Shiraz. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study done in 2002-2003 by random sampling, in which 100 diabetic adults who had referred to Nader Kazemi Diabetes clinic of Shiraz were selected. They were treated by either tablet or insulin. The survey included Beck Depression Inventory (21 questions) and demographic information checklist. Data analysis was done by SPSS software, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Fisher tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings indicate that 71.4% of the under study population under study suffered from depression in which, 77.4% of them use tablets and 67.2% use insulin. Also the results show that depression is more prevalent in women than in men (P<0.05). No statistically significant correlation was observed between treatment modality and depression severity. Also by increasing educational level, the depression percentage reduced (P<0.02). In addition, unemployed persons experienced more depression than employed ones. No correlation was seen between depression and age, marital status and economic situation. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of depression in the study population in comparison to other people in society, and ineffectiveness of blood glucose regulators (treatment modality) on frequency and severity of depression, a combination of medication plus psychotherapy and consultation is recommended to prevent or control diabetes complications