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Dissertation
Mood and anxiety symptomatology in adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using intensive management regimens
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Sep 2003
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-233
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent health concerns present today. However, only a modest literature has examined diabetes and its related medical complications as it relates to psychological well-being. Findings suggest that individuals with DM have higher rates of mood and anxiety symptoms. However, most studies have used combined samples of individuals with Type I and Type II DM despite these disorders being different etiologically. No studies to date have attempted to (a) examine posttraumatic stress reactions in relation to hypoglycemic episodes, or (b) characterize mood and anxiety, particularly fear of hypoglycemia (FH), within individuals with Type I DM using different intensive methods of insulin administration. The present study investigated the prevalence of mood and anxiety symptomatology, including hypoglycemic fear and posttraumatic stress, among individuals with Type I DM using different intensive management regimens in an attempt to further characterize the nature of mood and anxiety in this unique population. Planned and exploratory multiple regression analyses yielded overall non-significant findings. A consistent trend displayed was that individuals using self-injecting techniques scored higher on measures of FH, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and glycemic control. Insulin shot users reported statistically higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels and behavior symptoms of FH. Results suggest that as one ages, anxiety significantly decreases, and glycemic control significantly improves, and that women report significantly higher levels of overall FH than men. A common trend was that women reported higher levels of mood and anxiety, and poorer glycemic control than men. One exception was with regards to posttraumatic stress symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Overall, this study accomplished several of its primary goals. The nature of mood and anxiety symptomatology and relative differences among Type I individuals using different methods of insulin administration were revealed. The impact of method of administration and hypoglycemic experiences on FH were systematically investigated. Finally, hypoglycemia-related posttraumatic stress was examined and revealed that 1 out of 4 individuals meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD. This provides evidence that for a subset of individuals with Type I diabetes, the medical sequelae associated with hypoglycemic states is sufficient enough to qualify as a traumatic event.
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Details
- Title
- Mood and anxiety symptomatology in adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using intensive management regimens
- Creators
- Valerie Harwell Myers - DU
- Contributors
- James D. Herbert (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 233; 991014632067504721