Depression and Diabetes in Iranian Patients: A Comparative Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was determine the rate of depression in people with diabetes in an Iranian population. METHOD: A hospital-based prospective study with a comparison group was conducted in Firozgar Teaching Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The condition of depression and relationship to diabetes was assessed among 375 individuals (206 people with diabetes and 169 without diabetes) who consecutively presented for this prospective study. RESULTS: Of the total participation, 206 (54.9%) had diabetes (type 1 = 66 and type 2 = 140). Female made up 63.7% (n = 239). The mean age of entire study was 47.2 years (SD = 16.3 range, 15-87 years). Major depression was present among 71.8% of this sample with diabetes (both types; type 1 and type 2). Depression was more prevalent among women with diabetes than men (Adjusted OR = 2.1 (95% CI 1.4-3.2)). Of the 375 participants, 135 (36%) had BID scores lower than 11 and 240 (64%) had BDI scores indicating moderate to severe depression (> 16). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes appears to increase the risk of developing depression; therefore early detection and treatment intervention provide the best protective mechanisms available against the effects of depression on diabetes outcomes, and a psychological service provision for people with diabetes is needed.