Neuroendocrine and Psychological Factors in Childhood Diabetes Mellitus

Research on biopsychological and psychosocial factors associated with type I diabetes mellitus (“juvenile diabetes”) is examined. Biopsychological aspects of diabetes are discussed, including stress-neuroendocrine interactions, accurate assessment of diabetic control, theories regarding the onset of diabetes, and new data on the development of infants of diabetic mothers. The psychosocial context of diabetes mellitus research presently centers on issues of ego development, self-esteem, depression, and the measurement of adherence (compliance) behaviors. An integrative model is used within a biopsychosocial framework