Lustman: Measures Of Non-Adherence

Question 1

Method?

Answer 1

Randomised double blind study

Question 2

PPs?

Answer 2

Volunteer sample of 60 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes and diagnosed with depression

Question 3

Procedure?

Answer 3

• patients randomly assigned either fluoxetine group or placebo
• tested for depression using psychometric tests
• adherence was measured by blood sugar levels
• 8 week period

Question 4

Results?

Answer 4

• patients given F had lower levels of depression
• patients given F had lower levels of GHb (so improved adherence)
• if depression medicated, more likely to adhere

Question 5

Conclusions?

Answer 5

Greater adherence for those less depressed or anxious

Question 6

Pros?

Answer 6

• double blind= reduces demand characteristics
• blood tests= objective measure which supports psychology as a science
• volunteer sample

Question 7

Cons?

Answer 7

• reductionist? Didn’t measure other external factors
• low population validity as small sample
• unethical as half the group were not given the anti-depressant

Question 8

Aim?

Answer 8

To see if there was a link between depression and non-adherence in diabetic patients.