Why and When Should We Screen for Depression and Other Psychological Problems

Depression and emotional distress are common in people with diabetes and are major barriers to achieving an optimal quality of life, which is an objective of successful diabetes treatment. Furthermore, emotional distress and depression have a negative impact on the prognosis of diabetes. This chapter reviews the treatment options for diabetes-related distress and considers the screening options for depression and emotional distress with respect to screening performance and acceptability of screening. Screening for emotional problems without a comprehensive management plan has not proven to be efficacious in reducing depression and emotional problems in people with diabetes. Monitoring of well-being is suggested in order to identify people with diabetes suffering from emotional distress and depression. A flow chart depicting a management proposal for patients with emotional problems and depression provides some guidance for clinical care.