ABSTRACT for Free paper presentation ANCIPS: Salient symptoms and course of depression in elderly diabetes mellitus patients in South Indian population

Salient symptoms and course of depression in elderly diabetes mellitus patients in South Indian population BACKGROUND -: Depression and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship . Due to high prevalence and immense hidden burden for both conditions , the association should be considered as an important public health concern .Characteristics of depression in diabetes patients remains poorly studied . A clear understanding of the qualitative nature of depression in a highly vulnerable population like the elderly will provide promising avenues for reducing the disease burden for both entities . AIM -: To explore the salient features and course of depression in elderly diabetes patients in south india MATERIALS AND METHODS -: Elderly diabetic patients with scores of >5 (N= 52) on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were evaluated . Hamilton depression and anxiety ( HAM-A , HAM -D ) scales along with Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were administered . Qualitative aspects were obtained via detailed clinical interview by a psychiatrist . RESULTS -: 80% individuals (N=42) had ‘mild to moderate’ symptoms with multiple recurrences or a long ( >1yr) course for 86.5 % (N= 45) individuals . Fatigue , insomnia , somatic anxiety and inner tension dominated the clinical picture. Persistent symptoms were positively correlated with higher HbA1c , higher BMI and multimorbid state . DISCUSSION -: Elderly diabetes patients had a chronic and recurrent course with milder nature of symptoms with multiple factors influencing the clinical picture . Regular patients at the medicine OPD were found to have depressive features on incidental screening , emphasising the importance of physicians in tackling the burden .