Research on depression described by scientists at University of Manchester
2009 JUL 13 - (NewsRx.com) -- "The aim of the study was to determine whether diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a risk factor for depressive symptoms and examine the potential mechanisms for this relationship. This longitudinal study (9 and 18 month follow-up) of 338 DPN patients (mean age 61 years; 71% male; 73% type 2 diabetes) examined the temporal relationships between DPN severity (mean +/- SD; neuropathy disability score [NDS], 7.4 +/- 2.2; mean vibration perception threshold, 41.5 +/- 9.5 V), DPN somatic experiences (symptoms and foot ulceration), DPN psychosocial consequences (restrictions in activities of daily living [ADL] and social self-perception) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression subscale measuring depressive symptoms (HADS-D; mean 4.9 +/- 3.7)," scientists in Manchester, the United Kingdom report. "Controlling for baseline HADS-D and demographic/disease variables, NDS at baseline significantly predicted increased HADS-D over 18 months. This association was mediated by baseline unsteadiness, which was significantly associated with increased HADS-D. Baseline ADL restrictions significantly predicted increased HADS-D and partly mediated the association between baseline unsteadiness and change in HADS-D. Increased pain, unsteadiness and ADL restrictions from baseline to 9 months each significantly predicted increased HADS-D over 18 months. Change in social self-perception from baseline to 9 months significantly predicted increased HADS-D and partly mediated the relationships of change in unsteadiness and ADL restrictions with change in HADS-D. These results confirm that neuropathy is a risk factor for depressive symptoms because it generates pain and unsteadiness," wrote L. Vileikyte and colleagues, University of Manchester. The researchers concluded: "Unsteadiness is the symptom with the strongest association with depression, and is linked to depressive symptoms by perceptions of diminished self-worth as a result of inability to perform social roles.." Vileikyte and colleagues published their study in Diabetologia (Predictors of depressive symptoms in persons with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a longitudinal study. Diabetologia, 2009;52(7):1265-1273). For additional information, contact L. Vileikyte, University of Manchester, Dept. of Diabetes, 193 Hathersage Rd., Manchester M13 0JE, Lancs, UK. The publisher's contact information for the journal Diabetologia is: Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA. Keywords: United Kingdom, Manchester, Depression, Endocrinology, Foot Ulcer, Mental Health, Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Nervous System Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, Psychosocial, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, University of Manchester. This article was prepared by Diabetes Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Diabetes Week via NewsRx.com.
|
