Michiko Akimoto

Perception and utilization of social support in diabetic control

This study examined the influence of social support (perception and utilization) on diabetic control. Subjects were 178 patients with diabetes mellitus [insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) = 26, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)= 152]. HbA1c values was used as an indicator of diabetic control. Assessment of social support was performed using the Stress and Coping Inventory. HbA1c values were significantly related to the presence or absence of participation in a diabetic education program as well as scores on perception and utilization of social supports. The participation in the diabetic education program was not significantly associated with the two social supports, however, the two social support factors interacted significantly with one another. As for type of DM, these findings were stronger in IDDM patients. These results suggest that, in particular patients with NIDDM, although diabetes education is effective for decreasing HbA1c, a combination of the two social supports also decrease the HbA1c value, independent of diabetic education.

Stress coping and social support in glucose tolerance abnormality

We examined coping with stress, including social support, dealing with illness, and mood states, in a sample of 600 persons who underwent primary health-care screening. Subjects were not yet diagnosed as having glucose tolerance abnormality and considered themselves healthy before the examination. Although no significant differences on the existence and perception of social support were found, the utilization of social support was significantly and negatively correlated with the level of glucose tolerance abnormality. The results suggest that poor utilization of social support is associated with the onset of glucose tolerance abnormality.

Somatoform pain disorder in a case of Klinefelter's syndrome with multiply operated lower back

Abstract We report a case of Klinefelters syndrome with multiply operated low back (MOB). Psychological and/or psychosocial problems related to MOB have been of recent interest in the field of orthopedic surgery. Based on psychiatric interviews, this case was diagnosed as a somatoform pain disorder of the DSM‐III‐R somatoform disorders. In addition to psychological problems, the pain was partly explicable by severe osteoporosis, which was prematurely caused by endocrinological disturbances associated with Klinefelters syndrome. Patients with this syndrome are more likely to develop severe osteoporosis. In the presenile period of Klinefelters syndrome with severe osteoporosis, liaison psychiatrists may pay attention to somatoform disorders (e.g. somatoform pain disorder and conversion disorder) linked with the MO.

Content Analysis of Group Work Sessions in the Context of an Educational Program for Inpatient Diabetes Patients

This study investigated the changes in emotions and attitudes of diabetic patients as observed in group work sessions linked to an inpatient diabetic educational program. Using content analysis of transcripts from Sessions 1 and 3 of 8 selected groups (40 patients), in Session 1 negative emotions or attitudes such as anxiety, remorse, or self-blame, a lack of understanding of diabetes, along with a willingness to undertake self-care were frequently expressed. In Session 3, more positive emotions and attitudes towards self-care (willingness, specific plans, and resolutions), satisfaction, and relief or hope were frequently expressed. These results suggest that the patients participating in the group work sessions moved toward adaptation to diabetes, although the effects of the group work were not separated from those of the inpatient educational program.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE EATING ATTITUDE INVENTORY FOR DIABETES MELLITUS

The authors examined the validity and reliability of the Eating Attitude Inventory for Diabetes Mellitus in a sample of 178 patients with diabetes mellitus. Reliability was supported by factor analysis, adequate internal consistency, and relatively high test-retest correlations. Validity was indicated by correlation with the Eating Attitudes Test designed for eating disorders. This inventory may be useful for assessing eating attitudes of patients with diabetes mellitus.