Psychosocial state of patients with IDDM prone to recurrent episodes of severe hypoglycemia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial situation in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) with recurrent attacks of severe hypoglycemia (SH).


METHODS
The study group consisted of 17 adult patients with SH and 17 patients matched to the study group with regard to sex, age, and duration of diabetes without severe attacks. The psychosocial situation was measured by means of self-rated questionnaires and an observer's rating scale.


RESULTS
Parameters such as social support, life events, type A behavior, neuroticism, and vital exhaustion were not different, although a higher anxiety rating (P less than 0.05) and a lower rating of happiness (P less than 0.01) were found in the SH group.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the anxiety level is increased and that experienced happiness is decreased in patients prone to recurrent severe hypoglycemia.
Wredling
R A
RA
Department of Medicine, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.
Theorell
P G
PG
Roll
H M
HM
Lins
P E
PE
Adamson
U K
UK
D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012944:Social Support
D007328:Insulin