Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the common psychiatric disorders and associated with significant disability. Several factors predispose patient for the development of depression. Chronic physical illnesses increase the stress level and psychological problems. There is an epidemic of diabetes and depression is common in diabetic patients. Considering these factors this study aims at measuring the prevalence of depression in diabetic patients attending tertiary care centre in India. Also, this study tries to find out any risk factors for depression in diabetic patients. Methods: This study was carried out at a tertiary care centre in India. This is a cross sectional study. We enrolled sixty-one consecutive cases fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and taking consent. Diagnosis of diabetes was done by physician. Patients were assessed by psychiatrist for the presence of depression. Statistical analysis was carried out to find out any factors associated with depression in diabetic patients. Results: The prevalence of depression in diabetic patients in this study was 18.03 percent. This study found that depression was more common in patients with higher education and urban backgrounds. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes mellitus are vulnerable for depression. Various psychological and physiological changes are responsible for it. This high prevalence of depression necessitates routine screening of diabetic patients for depression. Early detection and treatment of depression can lead to better prognosis in diabetic patients.