Prevention

In order to prevent the onset of the disease while it is still developing, patients can take some supporting measures before the operation. The central point for many of those affected is the feeling of fear. Uncertainty and lack of ideas about the time after the operation cause great uncertainty.

Therefore, it is highly recommended to have detailed discussions with the treating physicians and surgeons. Ask all the questions that are on your mind about the postoperative period! Out of shame and fear, many patients simply do not dare to ask themselves.

Sometimes it can help to be accompanied by a friend or relative during the clarification discussions. In addition, it is advisable to write down important questions, because in the excitement, aspects can quickly be forgotten.In the ideal case, you can finally get a fairly accurate picture of the time after the operation and do not run the risk of being thrown back by exaggerated expectations. Speak openly about the fear of suffering from postoperative depression!

In this way, you will already sensitize your environment and do not run the risk of being overlooked. Friendly or family relationships are extremely important for the time after the operation. It can help to plan fixed visiting rituals and create structure even before the operation. All hospitals also have pastoral care personnel who offer unsolicited talks.

In which procedures is postoperative depression particularly common?

As the anaesthetics are of great importance in triggering post-operative depression, there is a higher risk with operations performed under general anaesthesia than with operations that only require regional or local anaesthesia. In addition, the risk is higher for larger and longer-lasting operations than for minor operations. However, special operations that generally have a higher risk of postoperative depression could not be proven with certainty.

Therapy

Postoperative depression can be treated in different ways and the therapy is adapted to the severity of the symptoms. At first, it is recommended to have an open conversation with the doctor. Often relatives notice the changes first and contact the specialist.

Sometimes detailed discussions with the doctor in charge are sufficient, but a psychotherapist/psychologist can also be consulted. Frequently, people are already relieved when the problems are brought up. It can help to establish the connection between surgery in the sense of a life-changing event and the current psychological condition. Memories of earlier successfully overcome life crises can also give the patient new strength. Antidepressants are the main drugs used in drug treatment.