Period: 2008-2009
Funding: Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation
Research Institute: EMGO
Contact: Dr. M. de Wit
Background
Among youth with type 1 diabetes depressive symptoms have been found to be common, negatively impacting relationships, school performance and quality of life (QoL) and associated with recurrent hospitalizations and poor metabolic control. Screening for and treatment of depression in youth with diabetes has been advocated (16, 17), yet depression appears often to be missed and under treated. The extent to which depression is under recognized and under treated in youth with diabetes is unknown.
Aim
With this study we aimed to study rates of depressive symptoms and (un)met mental health needs in Dutch youth with type 1 diabetes.
Methods
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Dutch Society of Pediatricians and Dutch Working group of Pediatric Diabetes Nurses. Letters were e-mailed or handed out by care providers in outpatient clinics to youth with type 1 diabetes (9-19 years) with information on the survey they were invited to complete on the internet. The site was advertised as a survey on well-being ("SugarbluesorHappinezz.nl). The survey consisted of questions about demographic and diabetes related variables, the Children's Depression Survey (CDI), items of the DQOL-Youth and questions about received or wished psychological care.
Data have been analyzed and a paper has been submitted for publication.