A quarter of all diabetics suffer also from depression. In the Netherlands alone this accounts for an estimated 150,000 people. The Trimbos Institute is conducting research about the best combined treatments for iabetes/depression.
Diabetes and depression form a toxic combination In the US and Europe, as well as in Asia and the Middle East, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. This is a worrying development. Diabetes and depression form a toxic combination that can lead to a downward spiral of mutually reinforcing symptoms.
For people suffering from depression, it is more difficult to maintain a lifestyle that prevents an exacerbation of diabetes. Equally, diabetics are already battling such major limitations in their lives, that they incur a greater risk of depression.
Project ‘Dialogue on Diabetes and DepressionThe global project
‘Dialogue on Diabetes and Depression’ of the Association for the Improvement of Mental Health Programmes (AIMHP) is currently investigating what these two disorders have in common and how they interact with each other. The aim of the project is to collate the existing knowledge on the (combination) of both disorders, in order to improve prevention and treatment. The role of the Trimbos Institute is to conduct research on the best treatments for diabetes/depression.
Combined treatment
The current level of knowledge leads us to assume that combined treatment has the greatest effect. In order to prevent one of the disorders from leading to a double set of symptoms, the standard treatment involves counselling, including advice about the disorders and on the correct lifestyle.
For cases of double diagnosis, a more serious approach is needed. The treatment of diabetes then needs to be supplemented with psychotherapy and anti-depressants which do not affect blood sugar levels. Within the so-called collaborative-care model all these interventions are fine-tuned to each other. There is also intensive aftercare, to ascertain whether the interventions have had the desired effect.
