Major Depressive Disorder or Diabetes-Related Distress? Screening, Evaluation, and Treatment in Adults With Diabetes

Depression has long presented a challenge to successful diabetes management. As the burden of both diabetes and depression continue to rise, vigilant screening, early recognition, and prompt, effective treatments are imperative to help these patients achieve the best health outcomes. Symptoms of diabetes-related distress can mimic depression but must be differentiated from clinical depression because treatment approaches differ. Screening tools such as the World Health Organization Wellbeing Index, Diabetes Distress Scale 2, and Diabetes Distress Scale 17 guide the provider in making a distinction between these disorders. A combination treatment approach consisting of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic interventions has consistently been shown to decrease the risk of complications and improve diabetes self-management skills.