The relationship between anxiety and depression risk with the illness perception in the diabetes mellitus patients admitted to the primary care

Depression and anxiety are frequent in Type 2 DM patients and found to be associated with poor quality of life, worsening of diabetic self care, poor glycemic control and higher complication rate. Thus, in diabetic individuals, assessment of illness perception and depression and include these data into the patient education and treatment plan will avail to keep diabetes under control. The aim of this research is to investigate association between illness perception and depression and anxiety and factors related with depression and anxiety in diabetic patients in primary care. 330 patients who have Type 2 DM and older than 18 years old have been included to study in family health centers in Konak, Izmir. The exclusion criteria were the current use of any medication due to any psychiatric disorder, and not to agree participate in the study. Data was collected via questionnaire consist of socio-demographic variables and clinical information. HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and IPQ (Illness Perception Questionnaire) have also been conducted. Depression and anxiety risks have been found in 37,3% and 25,5% of patients respectively. Risk of anxiety and depression were found to be associated with poor treatment compliance. Depression and anxiety were significantly correlated with illness perception. According to results of study, anxiety and depression were associated with higher scores in the negative subcategories and lower scores in the positive subcategories of the illness perception. During management of diabetes assessment of illness perception and psychiatric evaluation should be taken into account in order to achieve optimal management and care conditions.