Search

Background. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of starting insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes on revealing psychic disturbances. Methods. The study was conducted on 54 outpatients suffering from type 2 diabetes, examined after 3 to 6 weeks from the start of insulin therapy with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Bizon' Neuroticism Rating Scale (BNRS). Results. The mean value of scores obtained in 17-item HDRS was 7.2 ± 5.1, mild depression was found in 9.2% and severe depression in 7.4%. The mean value of scores obtained in HARS was 8.1 ± 5.02. Scores indicating moderate intensification of anxiety were recorded in 12.9% (all patients with severe depression and 2 patients with mild depression). The mean value of scores obtained in BNRS was -20.4 ± 18. Scores indicating pathological intensification of neuroticism were obtained only in patients presenting anxiety symptoms in HARS (12.9%). Conclusions. Obtained results suggest that beginning treatment with insulin is not a factor increasing the risk of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes. It also doesn't enhance anxietic and neurotic disturbances. Therefore up to now opinion about unfavorable influence of insulin therapy on psychic state should be revised and encourage to more fearless hypoglycemic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]