Effect of pharmacological treatment of depression on A1C and quality of life in low-income Hispanics and African Americans with diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine whether pharmacological treatment of depression in low-income minorities with diabetes improves A1C and quality of life (QOL).

Research design and methods

This was a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were screened for depression using Whooley's two-question tool at a county diabetes clinic. Depression was confirmed (or not) with the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Survey (CDIS) software program, and the severity of depression was assessed monthly by the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D). Depressed subjects with A1C levels >or=8.0% were randomly assigned to receive either sertraline or placebo. Diabetes care was provided by nurses following detailed treatment algorithms who were unaware of therapy for depression.

SUBMITTER: Echeverry D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2782968 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature