Type I Diabetes
Mellitus (DM I) is the third most common chronic childhood disease and can
cause both short-term and long-term complications, as well as acute
life-threatening events. The announcement of the DM I diagnosis in childhood or
adolescence constitutes a major psychosocial stressor for the child and his family. Diabetes in general complicates the parent-child relationship and increases adolescents’ negative thoughts about
themselves and depressive mood. The majority of patients experience
depressive and/or anxiety symptoms at the time
of diagnosis, which generally resolve within six to nine months. Poor
adjustment in this initial phase places adolescents at risk for later psychosocial
difficulties. On a long-term basis, individuals with DM I may exhibit
significant psychiatric and behavioral problems including depression,
anxiety and anger. We here reported the case of a 13-year-old boy, suffering
from DM I for 3 years, who developed poor metabolic control, depressive
symptoms and life-threatening behavior in the past 6 months and was
hospitalized at an inpatient psychiatric unit. The complex biopsychosocial
needs of adolescents with Type I Diabetes Mellitus should be recognized and
addressed through tailored interventions
by medical and mental health professionals.
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