Psychological screening in children with diabetes mellitus type-I at the Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan

Objective: To determine the frequency of psychological problems in diabetic children. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetic clinic of the Children s Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan, from March to December 2011. Diabetic patients aged 7-15 years, who were on insulin therapy for at least one year were included in the study. Demographic data, history and physical examination were recorded. Glycosylated haemoglobin level was checked in all cases, and the Childhood Depression Inventory was used to assess the psychological well-being of the children. A minimum score of 13/54 was used to screen for depression. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 86 diabetic children, clinical depression was observed in 29 (33.7%). Poor socioeconomic status (21/29; 72.4%), longstanding disease (16/29; 55.1%) and adolescence age (20/29; 69%) were the major factors associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Depression is a commonly associated psychological disorder in diabetic children, and should be addressed along with medical and dietary management.