Diabetes type 1 øker risiko for selvmord: Hva kan psykologen gjøre?

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have an elevated risk of suicidal ideation and death by suicide compared with the general population. The aim of the present article is to provide updated and evidence-based knowledge about the association between T1D and suicide. A further aim is to discuss how specific psychological aspects of T1D may contribute to a heightened risk of suicide. We emphasize the importance of closeness to death, responsibility, stigmatisation, loneliness, shame, burnout, unpredictability and lack of control. Daily self-management is highly demanding. The illness is associated with a risk of severe somatic complications such as visual impairment, dementia, cardiovascular disease, impaired renal function and premature death. Type 1 diabetes also increases the risk of neuropathy, other types of painful conditions and fatigue. Finally, we suggest approaches that may help psychologists address these issues. Key words: type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, suicide, mental health issues, health psychology