The relationship between personality disorder, depression and eating disorder with treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes; a cross-sectional study in diabetic patients in Iran

Adherence to treatment is of great importance in patients with diabetes mellitus due to its necessity and benefits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personality disorder, depression and eating disorder with appropriate treatment acceptance and follow-up in patients with type 2 diabetes.

This cross-sectional study was performed in Imam Ali Medical Education Center in Karaj city of Alborz province of Iran. A total of 1320 patients were evaluated and were screened according to the inclusion criteria, including type 2 diabetes and those over 18 years of age. Finally, considering the exclusion criteria, 600 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups. 150 patients with type 2 diabetes in the control group, 150 patients with type 2 diabetes with major depressive disorder, 150 patients with type 2 diabetes with personality disorder and 150 patients with type 2 diabetes and eating disorder were studied. Questionnaires used in the study included Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAM-D) for depression, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory II (MMPI II) questionnaire for personality disorders and Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale(EDDS) for eating disorder. The Murisky questionnaire also assessed adherence to treatment in patients, which included 8 questions. Scores measure the degree of adherence to treatment.

600 patients with type 2 diabetes were studied. Patients were divided into 4 groups (each group consisting of 150 patients) of control, depression, personality disorder and eating disorder. Mean age, sex, marital status and duration of diabetes were not significantly different in the study groups (P > 0.05). The mean Murisky score in patients with depression and personality disorder was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05) but the mean Murisky score in patients with eating disorder was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Patients with depression, paranoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, avoidant and dependent personality disorder had less adherent to treatment than the control group.

Early psychiatric evaluation of patients with diabetes and identification of possible disorders can help improve diabetes control.