ANXIETY STATE IN CHILDREN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS

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Abstract

The aim of this study was the early identification of anxiety states in children under 18 years of age with type 1 diabetes mellitus, which would allow timely provision of medical and psychological care and contribute to the reduction of possible disorders associated with the central nervous system. To assess the level of anxiety in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) depending on disease duration and to determine its clinical significance. The study included 102 patients with T1DM aged 7 to 18 years, including 48 girls (47.3%) and 54 boys (52.6%). The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 15 years. Patients were divided into three groups: up to 3 years, 3–6 years, and more than 6 years of disease duration. Psychoemotional status was assessed using the Spielberger–Khanin Anxiety Inventory (evaluation of state and trait anxiety). A statistically significant increase in both state and trait anxiety levels was found with increasing disease duration (p < 0.001). In the early stages of T1DM, moderate state anxiety predominated, reflecting adaptation to the disease. In patients with a disease duration of 3–6 years, a significant increase in trait anxiety was observed, indicating the development of stable psychoemotional disturbances. The highest levels of anxiety were identified in patients with a disease duration of more than 6 years, suggesting the accumulation of the psychological burden of chronic illness. Anxiety disorders are widespread among children with T1DM and tend to progress with increasing disease duration. The obtained data highlight the need for early detection and correction of psychoemotional disturbances, as well as the integration of psychological support into the standard management of patients with T1DM.