Depression in diabetic people: dnveiling the hidden enemy

Abstract

Depression occurs in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients, being often cared for and mistaken by health workers and by patients themselves, as sensations of annoyance, sadness and melancholia. Studies show that depression can be a major difficulty in the coping process of the disease. The aims of this study were to understand how the DM-type 2 patient identifies and experiences depression, describing signs and symptoms present in their daily routine and identify the coping strategies used. The study sample was composed of diabetic type 2 insulin-dependent patients, over fifty years old that attended to the program Preventive Medicine Service - Unimed G.V. (Medical work Co-Operative of Governador Valadares). The methodological and theoretical reference used was the oral thematic history proposed by Meihy. Data from thirteen interviews were analized and the concepts emerged enabled the identification of three central themes: life conditions of a diabetic person that influence depression, identification of depression and the meaning of depression for a diabetic patient. Signals and symptoms of depression indicated by diabetics were: lack of appetite, irritability, fear of complications and others. The participants recognized depression through changes perceived in the behavior, melancholia, anxiety, crying for no apparent reason, loss of interest, difficulty to concentrate, insomnia and thoughts about death. Depression as described was related to feelings of loneliness, financial and marital problems. The nurse must be trained to perceive and interfere early in depression, develop an effective plan of care and of adherence to treatment, using educational programs and utilizing the various therapeutic alternatives.