FAQ 37-1: Depression and the Diabetic Foot

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Editorial

Mental health has a substantial impact on physical health outcomes, and acts as a crucial component of overall well-being. Untreated mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and professional burnout, can significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases – including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke – by up to two times, and can worsen both pain management and patient compliance. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the mental health crisis by adding layers of medical and social distrust, uncertainty and instability that continue to endure. Further, both shame and stigma still have an impact on how people view mental healthcare, and often act as a barrier in our healthcare system overall.

But, what has caused (or contributed to) this mental health crisis in the United States? Contemporary America has seen rapid socioeconomic change, hyper-individualistic philosophy and lifestyle shifts that have significantly impacted collective mental health in the digital era. Primary drivers in this crisis include social isolation, financial debt, digital dependency and a perceived failure to meet personal expectations – factors that are harmful to anyone in the general population, but that carry a unique weight for patients at risk of severe complications of diseases such as diabetes.

This issue of Foot and Ankle Quarterly explores the serious, complex and persistent mental health-related  consequences that face the diabetic population, as well as the unique set of risks for the physicians who treat them.

Brandon M. Brooks, DPM, MPH, FACPM, FFPM (Glasg)

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Foot and Ankle Quarterly (FAQ) is a unique program designed to help today’s podiatric physician manage an ever-increasing flow of information. After completing the Foot and Ankle Quarterly, Volume 37 program, the learner should be better able to: develop and refine a perspective on current treatment recommendations, updates, and advances pertinent to podiatric practice; evaluate the implications of the learned information as it pertains to the diagnosis and treatment of podiatric disorders and societal issues and barriers, and; apply current trends, standards, and best practices into learner’s own practice.

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Date of release: May 26, 2026
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Participants of Volume 36, Issue 4 will receive a maximum of 6 CECHs for a correctly-completed CME Answer Form submitted to Data Trace Publishing Company for scoring. In order to qualify for CECHs, a score of 70% or more must be achieved on the writ- ten examination material. Any participant who does not pass the first time may take the exam one additional time (within 90 days of receipt of results). A new test must be submitted to Data Trace Publishing Company with a fee of $15. Data Trace Publishing Company will score the tests and notify participants of their scores within 30 days. You will be responsible for notifying your state of the number of contact hours you have received. Participants are requested to complete a course evaluation for use in developing future issues and to meet the unique educational needs of podiatric physicians.

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Article Authors and Lecturers

  • Bradley M. Brooks (n.)
  • Brandon M. Brooks (1. Data Trace Publishing Co.)
  • Malachi I. Brown (n.)
  • Savannah Santiago (n.)

FAQ Journal Planning Committee

  • Chrissy Wesolowski (n.)
  • Lauren Molander (n.)
  • Stephanie Wu, DPM, MSc (n.)

Foot and Ankle Quarterly
37-1 Contributors

Guest Editor

Brandon M. Brooks, DPM, MPH, FACPM, FFPM RCPS(Glasg)
Vice President, American College of Podiatric Medicine; Staff Podiatrist, Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC; 6th Public Health Fellow, American Podiatric Medical Association; Diplomate with Certificate of Added Qualification in Podiatric Surgery, American Board of Podiatric Medicine

Contributors

Bradley M. Brooks, DO
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL

Malachi I. Brown, DPM
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Resident, Year 1, Palmetto General Hospital, Hialeah, FL; Alumni, Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, Miami, FL; Past President, Student Body and Florida Podiatric Medical Student Association; Public Health Ambassador, Florida Department of Health; Incoming Treasurer, American Public Health Association, Foot and Ankle Health Section

Savannah Santiago, DPM
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis, PGY2; Alumni, Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine; Resident Representative, Foundation for Podiatric Education; Resident Liaison, American College of Podiatric Medicine.


37-1 In This Issue

  • FEATURE ARTICLE: Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine in Podiatry: Challenges and Opportunities
    Brandon M. Brooks, DPM, MPH, FACPM, FFPM (Glasg)
  • CONDENSATIONS and COMMENTARIES
    • The Diabetic Foot-Pain-Depression Cycle
      Commentary by Bradley M. Brooks, DO
    • Burnout in Podiatrists Associated with Individual Characteristics, Workplace and Job Satisfaction: A National Survey
      Commentary by Malachi I. Brown, DPM
    • Burnout among the Podiatry Profession: A Survey of Podiatrists in Aotearoa New Zealand
      Commentary by Savannah Santiago, DPM
    • Suicide Prevention in Podiatry
      Commentary by Malachi I. Brown, DPM
    • Depression: The Fourth Pillar of Classifying Risk of Diabetes-Related Amputation in Veterans
      Commentary by Savannah Santiago, DPM
    • Depression in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Associated Factors and the Impact of Perceived Social Support and Anxiety on Depression
      Commentary by Malachi I. Brown, DPM
    • Depression and Anxiety in 336 Elective Orthopedic Patients
      Commentary by Savannah Santiago, DPM
    • Relationship between Resilience and Depression in Individuals with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Longitudinal Study
      Commentary by Malachi I. Brown, DPM
    • Depression and Incident Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Prospective Cohort Study
      Commentary by Malachi I. Brown, DPM
  • AUDIO LECTURE 1: Understanding D.R.E.A.D.D: Diabetes-Related Extremity Amputation Depression and Distress
    Brandon M. Brooks, DPM, MPH, FACPM, FFPM (Glasg)
  • AUDIO LECTURE 2: The US Mental Health Crisis and the Diabetic Foot-Pain-Depression Cycle
    Brandon M. Brooks, DPM, MPH, FACPM, FFPM (Glasg)
  • CME Questionnaire

Issue Content

37-1 CONDENSATIONS and COMMENTARIES
37-1 COURSE EVALUATION Quiz
37-1 QUIZ: Depression and the Diabetic Foot