Psychosocial adjustment to diabetes-related lower limb amputation.
OBJECTIVE
To examine psychosocial adjustment in persons with lower limb amputations related to diabetes.


METHODS
Thirty-eight participants with diabetes-related lower limb amputations, recruited from two limb-fitting centres, completed three psychological self-report assessments: the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); and the Amputation Body Image Scale-Revised (ABIS-R).


RESULTS
Over 18% of participants scored above the normal range (> 8) for depression on the HADS and 18.5% scored above the normal range for anxiety. Both depression (rho = 0.75, P < 0.01) and anxiety (rho = 0.62, P < 0.01) scores were significantly associated with body image disturbance, as measured using the ABIS-R. Significant relationships were also observed between body image disturbance and three TAPES subscales measuring psychosocial adjustment [general adjustment (rho = -0.48, P < 0.01), social adjustment (rho = -0.51, P < 0.01), adjustment to limitations (rho = -0.45, P < 0.05)].


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with diabetes-related amputations may be at elevated risk for psychological distress as a result of their co-morbid medical condition. Regular screening for anxiety and depression and the provision of appropriate follow-up care may therefore be advisable in this population.
Coffey
L
L
Faculty of Science and Health, School of Nursing, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
Gallagher
P
P
Horgan
O
O
Desmond
D
D
MacLachlan
M
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000523:psychology*; D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires