Prevalence and incidence of anxiety disorders in diabetic patients: a national population-based cohort study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of anxiety disorders among diabetic patients in Taiwan.

Methods: Study subjects were identified by at least one service claim for ambulatory or inpatient care with a principal diagnosis of anxiety disorders and at least two service claims for ambulatory care or one service claim for inpatient care with a principal diagnosis of diabetes from 2000 to 2004 in the National Health Insurance database.

Results: The 1-year prevalence rate of anxiety disorders among diabetic patients was 128.76 per 1000 in 2000, and the cumulative prevalence increased to 289.89 per 1000 in 2004. Diabetic patients had a higher cumulative prevalence and annual incidence than the general population throughout the observation period. A higher prevalence was associated with age (≥65, 55-64), female sex and low income by multiple logistic regression analysis. Cox regression analysis revealed that a higher incidence was associated with female sex and low income.

Conclusions: The prevalence and annual incidence density of anxiety disorders in diabetic patients were significantly higher than in patients with mental illness only in the general population. Female diabetic patients had a higher prevalence and incidence density of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders in diabetic patients were more prevalent in elderly women and in those with low income.