Diagnosis of any mental illness needs to be done with a Mental Health

Professional (MHP) trained in diagnosis, which maybe a Licensed Clinical Social

Worker, Licensed Psychologist or a Psychiatrist.

 

In diagnosing depression in an individual with diabetes it is important that the

client/patient advocate for him or herself by tell the MHP evaluating them that

they have diabetes. Don’t wait to be asked, be honest with them and upfront, tell

them if your blood sugars are out of control and what symptoms that may cause.

 

If your psychotherapist or psychiatrist is unfamiliar with the symptoms of high

blood sugar, inform them what happens to you when your blood sugar is high. If

your mental heath professional is still unsure about the impact of blood sugars

refer them to speak with your certified diabetes educator or endocrinologist.

Make sure to sign a release allowing them to talk to your endocrinologist to

coordinate care.

 

All this will help the MHP rule out that your blood sugar control isn’t the cause of the depression.

 

Depression Assessment

The initial assessment is performed by a MHP, creating a Bio-Psycho-Social

Assessment that evaluates all aspects of an individual’s life, which assists in the

diagnostic process. As part of the process the MHP will conduct a Differential

Diagnosis.

 

The Differential Diagnosis takes into account that the depression might be a

result of some specific extrinsic factor such as drug abuse, various medications,

or general medical conditions like hypothyroidism. Depending on various factors

the MHP may have you get screened for a specific extrinsic factor to rule it out as

the cause of the depression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you believe you might be depressed and would like some help. Please contact Eliot LeBow LCSW, CDE at 917-272-4829 to schedule your first Diabetes-Focused Therapy Session.

 

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