Psychotherapeutic Interventions to Improve Psychological Adjustment in Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: International clinical practice guidelines highlight the importance of improving the psychological and mental health care of patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Psychological interventions can promote adherence to the demands of diabetes self-care, promoting high quality of life and wellbeing. Methods: A systematic review was carried out to determine whether psychological treatments with a specific focus on emotional management have an impact on glycemic control and variables related to psychological adjustment. Comprehensive literature searches of PubMed Medline, Psycinfo, Cochrane Database, Web of Science, and Open Grey Repository databases were conducted, from inception to November 2019 and were last updated in December 2020. Finally, eight articles met inclusion criteria. Results: Results showed that the management of emotions was effective in improving the psychological adjustment of patients with T1DM when carried out by psychologists. However, the evidence regarding the improvement of glycemic control was not entirely clear. When comparing adolescent and adult populations, findings yielded slightly better results in adolescents. Conclusions: More rigorous studies are needed to establish what emotional interventions might increase glycemic control in this population.

10Vida: A Mental and Physical Health Intervention for Chronically Ill Adolescents and Their Caregivers in the Hospital Setting: An Open Study

“…This programme will provide an effective tool to improve physical and emotional health. The design of this intervention programme has been based on previous psychological interventions [ 26 , 27 , 30 , 31 ], encompassing different components explored in the different research studies. However, one advantage is that it incorporates the caregiver in the programme, and it is carried out on an individual basis.…”

“…There is a need to improve the child’s well-being or health-related quality of life, empowerment, and transition to healthy and productive adulthood. Many interventions in chronic diseases have been implemented in the scientific literature and have proven beneficial [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Generally, interventions have been based solely on the patient or the caregiver, with few interventions working together with both parties, as in the present study.…”

“…There are many programmes on psychoeducation with aspects related to the understanding of the disease, the symptomatology, the treatment, and the consequences of non-adherence. However, specific programmes on the emotional aspects of the acceptance of the disease in everyday life, as well as learning coping strategies, are needed for patients as a learning opportunity for the improvement of psychological well-being [ 26 , 27 ]. Psychological interventions in this area have primarily focused on the following components: disease beliefs, self-image and self-esteem, coping strategies and emotional competencies, and social support [ 37 , 44 , 54 , 55 , 56 ].…”

Experience and Educational Needs of Arab Parental Caregivers Regarding their Children Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

“…These interventions could include stress management programs, coping skills, effective communication programs, and problem-solving workshops. 36 Continuous support regarding T1DM, such as nutrition adjustment and balanced physical activity, and preventing complications should be implemented. 35 In SA, there is a scarcity of teaching resources in Arabic for family and children with type 1 diabetes.…”

“…These interventions could include stress management programs, coping skills, effective communication programs, and problem-solving workshops. 36…”