New Guidance On Diabetes And Depression

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Depression;  Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health
Article Date: 30 Oct 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on the treatment and management of depression in adults with chronic physical health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Serious health concerns can have a big impact on an individual's psychological wellbeing, with depression being approximately two to three times more common in people with a chronic physical health problem than in people who have good physical health.

About the guidelines

This guidelines make recommendations on the identification, treatment and management of depression in adults aged 18 years and older who also have a chronic physical health problem or a musculoskeletal, respiratory or neurological disorder.

Diabetes UK's response

"Depression is twice as common in people with diabetes," said Stella Valerkou, Senior Policy Officer at Diabetes UK.

"It can have a significant impact on an individual's wellbeing and their ability to self-manage their diabetes, putting them at risk of developing the serious complications of the condition.

"Evidence has shown the treatment of psychological conditions can lead to improvement in health outcomes, as well as reducing psychological distress. As such, Diabetes UK welcomes the development of guidelines to support the management of depression in people living with long-term conditions such as diabetes.

"However, we are disappointed further options for psychological therapies were not recommended in the guideline as this will limit an individual's choice in this area."

Source
Diabetes UK