Reduction of Depressive Symptoms in an Elderly Mexican‐American Female with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single‐Subject Study

The purpose of this study was to determine if occupation‐based activities improve diabetes self‐management and reduce depressive symptoms in an elderly Mexican‐American woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There have been no known studies showing occupational therapy's role in self‐care management of T2DM in people with depressive symptoms. The individual in this single‐subject research was evaluated using glycosylated haemoglobin blood tests, four self‐reported standardized questionnaires, participant reflective logs and clinical observations following an 8‐week intervention. The participant improved on all measures, which were sustained 1 month after treatment ended. Clinical implications highlight a new role for occupational therapists providing early intervention in people with diabetes and depression for secondary prevention of complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Research suggestions include multiple single‐subject studies showing occupational therapy contributions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.