New technologies in psychological intervention for adolescents with type I diabetes: a systematic review

Type I diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a condition typically diagnosed during adolescence. The diagnosis of T1D, combined with the typical changes that occur during this developmental period, can have an impact on the psychopathology of adolescents. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychological intervention incorporating new technologies in managing psychopathological aspects among adolescents with T1D. A systematic search was carried out using the PRISMA method in the ProQuest and Web of Science databases, resulting in the screening of 209 studies, of which nine were included. Two evaluators independently and blindly selected and assessed the studies, demonstrating an excellent level of agreement. The age range of participants in the included studies varied from 12 to 21, with the common factor being a T1D diagnosis. The studies examined various variables, such as adherence to treatment, quality of life, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many of the studies indicated improvements in these aspects. However, it is crucial to note that the overall quality of the studies was low. Consequently, there is a need for further research on psychological interventions incorporating new technologies, and there is room for improvement in the design quality of such studies. While acknowledging the current limitations, the future of interventions for T1D is intricately linked to advancements in the development and integration of new technologies.