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Mental health preparation improves surgical recovery in older adults
A new study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that addressing the mental health of patients before major surgery can significantly improve recovery, particularly for older adults. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that pre-surgical interventions combining mental health coaching with medication optimization help reduce post-operative anxiety and depression.
The clinical trial involved 306 adults aged 60 and older scheduled for cardiac, oncologic, or orthopedic procedures. One group received only self-help materials, while the intervention group participated in eight to twelve telephone sessions with mental health professionals, such as social workers or counselors. This group also received personalized medication reviews by doctors and pharmacists to safely optimize high-risk drug dosages.
Three months after surgery, the intervention group showed a 2.2 to 2.5 point greater reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms on a 48-point scale compared to the control group. The most significant improvements were observed in older adults undergoing cancer surgery. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to perioperative care, integrating anesthesiology and psychiatry to manage the psychological stress of surgery.
Entities
Eric J. Lenze · JAMA Network Open · Joanna Abraham · Michael S. Avidan · Washington University School of Medicine
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests pre-surgical mental health care can improve recovery in older adults. es.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Mental and neurological preparation is as vital as physical conditioning before surgery. es.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 22% of older surgical patients in the U.S. experience anxiety before surgery. www.newswise.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Patients receiving mental health consultations and medication reviews showed a 2.2 to 2.5 point greater reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to the control group. es.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Up to 33% of older surgical patients in the U.S. experience depression before surgery. www.newswise.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The study involved 306 adults aged 60 or older scheduled for cardiac, oncologic, or orthopedic surgery. es.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Older adults undergoing cancer surgery experienced the strongest mental health improvements. www.euronews.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Surgery-related stress can exacerbate anxiety and depression, impacting overall patient recovery. es.euronews.com · hu.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · +1 more