Adolescents with diabetes have a higher incidence of subclinical and clinical depression compared to healthy adolescents. Patients with diabetes who are clinically or subclinically depressed are at high risk for poor glycemic control.
Studies evaluating prevention and treatment strategies for depression in patients with type 1 diabetes have shown that group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and individual interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) can reduce the risk of depressive illness in adolescents with diabetes. Computerized interventions show evidence of being efficacious, and have been recommended as the "first line" intervention.
The Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive Humanistic and Interpersonal Teaching (CATCH-IT) internet program has shown positive results with adolescents at risk for depression, but has not been used in patients with a chronic illness like diabetes. CATCH-IT is based on established CBT and IPT treatment models. It includes a) an innovative and effective brief practitioner-provided motivation enhancement component (in person at enrollment and through phone calls) and b) self-directed modules for the adolescent that can be accessed on the internet.
