Depression and DPN are closely associated with each other. Based on the clinical measures of DPN, the neuropathy disability score (NDS) and the vibration perception threshold (VPT), it has been associated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A separate screening instrument, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), also showed connections between depression and DPN. The symptoms of DPN that have been associated with depression are reduced foot sensation, pain, and unsteadiness. 

Comobordities of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)

Risk Factors:
1. Older age
2. Longer diabetes duration
3. Poor glyemic control
4. Height 
5. Male gender
6. Hypertension
6. Dyslipidemia
7. Certain ethnicities

Presentation: 
1. Sensory-predominant
2. Length-dependent distal symmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy 

Impacts: 
1. Physical function secondary to neuropathic pain
2. Charcot osteoarthropathy
3. Unsteadiness
4. Lack of postural control 

California Baptist University

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, where up to 50% of those who have diabetes are affected by it. DPN makes patients vulnerable to experience limitations in their functioning by having symptoms of remitting pain and unsteadiness. Some of the overall complications that patients end up having include foot ulceration and amputation due to health care costs, loss of work and a reduced quality of life. 

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) and Depression

References for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Depression: Dancing with Wolves? - Mini-Review and Commentary on Alghafri et al. “Screening for depressive symptoms amongst patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy”

Learn Before

Related

Learn After