Undertreatment of mental health problems in adults with diagnosed diabetes and serious psychological distress: the behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 2007.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and correlates of undertreatment for mental health problems among adults with diabetes and serious psychological distress (SPD).

Research Design And Methods: We analyzed data of adults aged >or=18 years from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. SPD was assessed with the Kessler-6 scale.

Results: The prevalence of untreated SPD was estimated to be 2.1 +/- 0.1% (mean +/- SE), 3.4 +/- 0.3%, and 2.0 +/- 0.1% in the total population, diabetic population, and nondiabetic population, respectively. Among people with SPD, those with diagnosed diabetes had a lower rate of undertreatment for mental health problems (45.0%) than those without diabetes (54.9%) (P = 0.002). Nonwhite race/ethnicity, advanced age, lack of health insurance, and currently being employed were associated with increased likelihood of undertreatment for mental health problems (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: People with diagnosed diabetes may be screened for SPD and treated for specific mental health problems in routine health care.