The link between diabetes and depression is well known and documented. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence have recently published comprehensive guidance on the assessment and treatment of adults with depression, and this includes those with a long-term physical health problem including diabetes.

You (or your relative) may be asked two simple questions which will help the doctor or nurse to identify whether you have depression.

The questions are:
During the last month, have you often been bothered by
(a) feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
(b) having little interest or pleasure in doing things?

If the answer to either question is ‘Yes’, then it shows that a more detailed mental health assessment is required.

Someone with long-standing diabetes who may be troubled with neuropathic pain, discomfort with foot ulceration, repeated problems of medication adverse effects, for example, may be at special risk of depressive illness and further questioning and assessment will be necessary.

Reviewed March 2010
Next review September 2011