General anaesthesia has a major impact on brain function and, as such, is a major cause of post-surgical depression. Many people experience depression after surgery. Ongoing health problems, discomfort, and a change in routine can all contribute to this. Depression can be a side effect of surgery. Some research suggests that general anesthesia may also contribute to postoperative depression. Anesthetics are powerful medications and, while essential for many major surgeries, can cause temporary mood changes after a procedure.
Knowing what to expect before, during and after surgery can help reduce symptoms of depression. However, other research suggests that depression may affect 20 percent of people with osteoarthritis, a common reason for knee surgery. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and reduce pain benefits that can alleviate depression and contribute to the healing process after surgery. The authors of the review noted that postoperative depression was common and proposed screening for depression after surgery to ensure that people received adequate support.
A regular sleep schedule can help you reduce depressive symptoms and help you regain the energy and strength needed to fully recover from surgery. They can guide you in identifying other sources of depressive symptoms, comorbid mental health problems, and coping strategies that may be helpful to you as you move through this stage. Certain surgeries may carry a higher risk of postoperative depression, but it can occur after any surgery. The etiology of this depression is probably multifactorial and is related to preoperative mood, site of surgery, anesthetics, and postoperative outpatient status.
The symptoms of post-surgical depression are easy to miss because some of them may be similar to the effects after surgery. Understanding the cause of depression after surgery and what to do about it can make it easier to manage it. If you don't have a social support system, consider joining an online support group for people who suffer from depression or people who have recently undergone surgery or health problems. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about 25 percent of all people who undergo heart surgery will experience depression as a result.
The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative depression in non-cardiac patients after anesthesia and surgery. There are several types of medications for depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. For anyone undergoing surgery, it can be beneficial for them and their families to know that depression is a possibility and to recognize the signs if they occur.
