Research approach of preoperative stress and depression
GKOLIA I., NTONAS G., PANTAZI TH., MOURATIDES G.

Objective: Impending surgery is a stressful event that triggers specific emotional, cognitive and physiological responses of a patient. The approach to preoperative stress and depression includes the identification of stress factors and the assessment of stress responses. Preoperative anxiety and depression is related to several factors. The aim of this study is to identify and better understand the preoperative stress and the factors related to it.

Method: In this study 51 patients undergoing operations under general or region anesthesia were interviewed by an anesthesiologist, using a semi-structured schedule and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The measurement of blood pressure and heart rate were also assessed as a physiological parameter that is affected by stress.

Results: Sex, age, education, type of operation, severity of the physical disease, previous surgical experience, perioperative knowledge and family support were assessed in relation with HADS scores. The presence of family and social support, perioperative knowledge, perception of physical illness were found to be significantly related to preoperative stress and depression.

The results of this study support the hypothesis that patients who have better perioperative knowledge, a good perception of their illness and sufficient family support have significantly lower stress level.

One important stress-reducing approach is prevention: identification of stressors. A better understanding of the kind and the clinical course of preoperative stress and depression in different patient subgroups is very important. It could improve the selection of patients who could benefit from the appropriate treatment of psychological distress. Premedication with benzodiazepines is the most successful pharmacological approach.

Key words: Preoperative stress, depression.