Evaluation of Positive Psychology’s Effect on Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients, Isfahan

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with an increasing prevalence that has many complications such as stress and depression. So, its comprehensive treatment requires assessment and treatment of psychologic problems. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of positive psychology on psychologic and blood glycemic control. Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Isfahan city, 2018. Eighty patients with Diabetes Mellitus ΙΙ were randomly selected from health centers and assigned to 2 groups, intervention (8 sessions of positive psychology education and 4 sessions of homework) and control (routine health care). The DASS21 questionnaire and blood glucose tests were evaluated before and after the intervention and analyzed using SPSS 16 software (paired and independent t-test)Results: At baseline, there was no significant difference in HBA1C, FBS and DASS21 scores between two groups. After intervention, the mean of HbA1C in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (7±0.7 vs. 7.4±0.82 respectively, p-value=0.03). Depression, anxiety and stress scores were significantly decreased in the intervention group.Conclusion: Positive psychology is effective in decreasing depression, anxiety, stress and also controlling HbA1c in diabetic patients.