Unique relations between post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and patient functioning in type 2 diabetes. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arigo, Danielle; Juth, Vanessa; Trief, Paula; Wallston, Kenneth; Ulbrecht, Jan; Smyth, Joshua M
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 25:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 652
• Page End: 664
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: chronic illness -- depression -- diabetes -- post-traumatic stress disorder -- psychological distress; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105317727839
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This study examined reported post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who had no history of psychiatric diagnosis or treatment ( n = 184, MHbA1c = 9.13%, standard deviation = 1.68). Participants reported moderate to severe intensity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms ( M = 19.17, SD = 17.58). Together, depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms accounted for 10–40 percent of the variance in type 2 diabetes outcomes; post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were associated with elevated diabetes distress and more frequent exercise and self-blood glucose testing (unique R 2 ~ 3%). Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may be overlooked in type 2 diabetes among patients without formal psychiatric diagnoses, and warrant increased attention.