Treatment Response in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Major Depression

Aims Major depression is more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than in general population. Comparing psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment responses could help to inform the choice between available treatment options. Method Thirty‐four patients with T2DM and major depression detected by using the Hospital Anxiety‐Depression Scale (HADS), the Montgomery‐Äsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and a structured interview (Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview) were randomized to undergo Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) or treatment with sertraline in a 3‐month acute intervention course in addition to a 3‐month continuation format. Provided that the initial MADRS score was not reduced ≥25% at week 6, these early non‐responding patients continued treatment in a sequential add‐on combined format. Psychological adjustment to diabetes, attachment style, diabetes self‐efficacy, quality of life and HbA1c were also evaluated along intervention. Results Out of 22 early‐responding patients (11 for each treatment type), 16 had clinically significant improvements (