Cause and Effect

Depression is a common but serious medical problem that affects the victims ability to function in his/her everyday life.

Depression is a common but serious medical problem that affects the victims ability to function in his/her everyday life. It can occur at any time,at any age. Depression occurs because of family history and life history the genetic precondition is sparked off by life events although this may not always be the route. Depression can occur due to stress,environmental factors,and even the side effects of medication.

According to Dr Rohan Jahagirdar,consultant psychiatrist and director of introspectrum psychological services,depression can influence ones life through reduced quality of life and social functioning. It also brings lower physical activity and reduced treatment adherence. Most people suffering from depression have a worsened diet pattern and often tend to indulge in unhealthy behavior such as smoking and alcohol drinking among others. Further,due to such habits,it often leads to an increase in macro and micro-vascular complications.

Symptoms of depression affect between one-fifth and one-fourth of patients with diabetes,and nearly twice as many as individuals without diabetes. Diabetes and its complications are leading causes of death around the world. Nevertheless,managing diabetes can seem like an overwhelming task,particularly for the newly diagnosed patient. Many diabetics struggle to cope with the requirements of the disease and the complications that it causes with its types (type I and type II).

As a result,several studies carried out have often speculated and found that depression leads to poor glycemic control. Failure to control diabetes leads to complications and isolation from social network which further can lead to depression. The symptoms of depression are numerous,and it differs in each individual case. Says Jahagirdar,the following symptoms can be consistent with depression caused by diabetes.

Depression may need to be treated through the prescription of antidepressant medications,which are generally safe for diabetes sufferers,says Jahagirdar. Psychotherapy can also be useful in relieving depression. However,different people react to medications in different ways. Studies have shown that amongst diabetics,both antidepressants and psychotherapy can be useful in terms of mood improvement and glycaemic control. Nevertheless,when it comes to treating depression amongst diabetics,the process should be managed by a mental health professional in close communication with the diabetes care team or physician.

Symptoms

* Persistent sadness or anxiety,a feeling of hollowness

* An overriding feeling of hopelessness and negativity

* Feeling helpless and powerless to change your situation

* Loss of interest in activities or pleasures

* Lower energy and increased fatigue

* Insomnia,oversleeping,awakening early in the morning

* Concentration problems,memory problems and indecisiveness

* Dwelling on death or suicide

* Restlessness

* Weight change and decreased or increased appetite

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