J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry. 2024 Jan 30:S2667-2960(24)00003-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.01.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) may adversely affect glycemic control. Yet no studies have focused on trauma and PTSS induced by diabetes-related events in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: This study explores PTSS arising from diabetes-related events (e.g., severe symptoms or emergency room visits due to complications) among AYA with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional pilot study, self-reported measures (Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5, Child PTSD Symptom Scale 5) were employed to assess trauma experiences and PTSS in AYA with type 1 diabetes at a pediatric diabetes clinic within a large hospital/academic medical center.

RESULTS: Fifty AYA with type 1 diabetes completed questionnaires assessing trauma and PTSS. Of the sample, 82% (n = 41) reported experiencing at least one form of general trauma (e.g., physical abuse, witnessing violence, serious injuries). Among those who reported trauma, 22% (n = 9) indicated that the most distressing event was specifically diabetes-related. Over a quarter of participants exhibited clinically relevant levels of PTSS related to diabetes events. Females assigned at birth and those with a higher frequency of emergency room visits due to diabetes had an elevated risk of developing clinically relevant levels of diabetes-related PTSS.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that diabetes itself can serve as a traumatic stressor for some individuals. Therefore, interventions should be designed to prevent or mitigate PTSS starting from the time of diagnosis.

PMID:38302058 | DOI:10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.01.003