People with diabetes should be aware of depression. Because, those who have diabetes are particularly vulnerable to these mental health disorders.
According to dr. Andri Sp.KJ, psychiatrist from Hospital Alam Sutera Tangerang Omni, despite not having a causal relationship, diabetes being the most common endocrine disease associated with depression. The incidence of depression in patients with diabetes account for about 18-31 percent. While sufferers of depression in normal populations range from 11-15 percent.
Science Week 2013 at the Faculty of Medicine, University Physicians Kristen Krida (Ukrida), in Jakarta, Sunday (07/04/2013), Andrew explains, diabetes can affect the balance of monoamine systems in the brain. It is a system that regulate neurotransmitter in the brain called bopamin, serotonin and norephinephrine.
Imbalance of serotonin in the brain that can make diabetes patients are vulnerable to depression. Those who tend to be more susceptible to depression is a type 1 diabetics, whose bodies can no longer produce insulin.
"Opportunities diabetic patients suffering from depression becomes larger. However, it is also associated with psychosocial condition of patients," he said.
More stable mental condition of people with diabetes, said Andri, she is unlikely affected by depression. Patients who are suffering from diabetes since childhood depression may be more resilient than adults. This is because people are used to and accept the fact he was suffering from diabetes since childhood. While the majority of adults adaptation process is slow.
Reality must take medication all his life also makes some patients become depressed. Depression in people with diabetes will affect the difficulty of treatment and lifestyle change. People with depression tend to be enthusiastic about the treatment. As a result, people with depression treatment advances are slow.
Andri stated, diabetic patients may be prescribed an antidepressant medication by a doctor. The use of antidepressants is not harmful for diabetics. There are two theories for how anti-depressant drugs work in people with diabetes. The first theory, anti-depressants would help curb depression experienced by patients. So people can follow the treatment process, and through lifestyle changes.
The second theory, anti-depressant medication to help control the biological processes in the brain levels of HbA1c in the blood. HbA1c is a substance formed by the chemical reaction between glucose and hemoglobin. HbA1c levels can be used as information how high the glucose levels of glucose in the blood for a certain period.
Treatment of depression should also be accompanied psychotherapy. The use of psychotherapy and psikofarmaka increase the likelihood of depression-free up to 60-70 percent. While the use of placebo only give the results of 30 percent. Psychotherapy will improve understanding and assist patients receiving diabetes suffered.
"Psiakiater surely must know first how the disease history of diabetes in patients. Then, can be considered together for the healing of depression," said Andrew.
The rise of the information circulating about diabetes often make sufferers feel confused. For example, alternative medicine information promising healing or harmful effects when taking antidepressants.
"Info like this often make patients confused and ultimately depression. Though diabetes drug may not be free. In situations like this, psychiatrists must talk to the patients and their immediate environment, for finding common ground," said Andri, who stressed the importance of always giving support and delivery information correct and comfortable to the patient.