Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e depressão: uma perspectiva psiconeuroimunológica

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the depressive symptomatology associated to psychological stress in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) in a specialized center of chronic conditions of Juiz de Fora – MG, in a psychoneuroimmunology framework. 92 patients with DM2, divided into four groups, took part in the study: no depression (n=58), mild depression (n=12), moderate depression (n=8) and severe depression (13). Depression [(Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)], stress (Perceived Stress scale (PPS-10)], health condition (SF-6D), religiousness/spirituality (R/E) (Brief Multidimensional Measurement of religiousness/Spirituality - BMMRS-P) and the subjective happiness (Brazilian Version of The Sujective Happiness Scale) were measured. The Pearson Qui-square test was used for categorical variables; analysis of variance (ANOVA) and kruskal-wallis test were used for numeric variables all at a significant p < 0.05, as well as pos hoc tests (Bonferroni and Mann-Whitny, respectively). A significant relationship (x²) between feminine gender and severe depression (p=0,021) was found, as well faith and levels of depression (p=0,001). Was also observed a significant relationship between perceived psychological stress and levels of depression (p=0.000; F=35,212), as well as health status (p=0.00; F=20,333) and religious support (p=0.013; F=3,823). In the Kruskal-Wallis test, there was a significant relationship between religious spiritual experiences and levels of depression (p=0,001; H=17,352), as well overcoming (religious / spiritual) (p=0,049; H=17,352), global self-assessment (religious / spiritual) (p=0,001; H=13,431) and subjective happiness (p=0.000; H=20,514). It is intended to use the data to elaborate strategies to promote and prevent, as well as to develop mental health interventions with diabetic patients and/or patients with other metabolic diseases aiming to create conditions for the favourable evolution of the disease, and a general improvement in the quality of life of these patients. Psychotherapy, relaxation techniques (such as meditation and yoga) as well as diabetes education may be relevant tools for more favorable prognoses in the evolution of the condition in question.