Common mental disorders among subjects with T2DM in Sagamu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Psychological disorders are common in diabetes mellitus with associated increased adverse disease outcome, economic burden on patient and family and poor quality of life. Psychological well being among T2DM patients has been poorly evaluated in Nigeria. Objective: The study set out to determine the prevalence and pattern of psychological disorders of Anxiety and Depression as well as evaluate the relationship between psychological well being and diabetes related factors in our diabetic population. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study carried out among T2DM patients attending the Endocrine Clinic of OOUTH between September and November 2009 using the GHQ-12 and HADS questionnaires, and patients' medical records. Results: One hundred and two patients were evaluated (56 females, 46 males) with mean age of 60.4±9.2years. Females generally scored significantly higher on the GHQ-12 (29.6 vs. 9.1 p<0.05), HADS for anxiety (18.5 vs 4.5 p<.05), as well as HADS for depression (25.9 vs. 4.5 p<0.05). The commonest comorbidity of diabetes mellitus in the study was hypertension 56.9%, with 68.6% being overweight and obese (BMI>25). Complications commonly observed were retinopathy (19.6%), neuropathy (15.7%), diabetic foot syndrome (11.8%), stroke (9.8%), erectile dysfunction and nephropathy (5.9%). The presence of these (except BMI) increased the prevalence and scores on all the parameters. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychopathologies of depression and anxiety was high in this study. The presence of complications and co-morbidities contributed positively to the high prevalence. It is recommended that early identification of these conditions and prompt referral for treatment is imperative for improved overall disease outcome