Analysis of Anxiety and Depression Status and Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women With Diabetes Mellitus Complicated by Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and analyse the associated risk factors in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbid hypothyroidism.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, enrolling 152 postmenopausal women with T2DM and hypothyroidism who attended Huainan Chaoyang Hospital between February 2024 and August 2025. Psychological status was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Demographic characteristics, clinical features and laboratory parameters were collected.

Results: Amongst the 152 patients, the prevalence rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 26.97% and 34.87%, respectively. Between-group analyses showed that the depression group had significantly longer durations of T2DM and hypothyroidism and higher glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels than the non-depression group. The anxiety group was significantly younger than the non-anxiety group, with longer T2DM duration and higher TSH levels (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified increased HbA1c level (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.43), increased TSH level (OR = 1.36) and longer T2DM duration (OR = 1.21) as independent risk factors for depressive symptoms, whereas higher income served as a protective factor (OR = 0.19). For anxiety symptoms, younger age (OR = 0.88), longer T2DM duration (OR = 1.19) and increased TSH (OR = 1.23) were independent risk factors.

Conclusions: Anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent amongst postmenopausal women with T2DM and hypothyroidism. Poor glycaemic control, thyroid dysfunction and longer diabetes duration are primary risk factors.