A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry on September 25th has revealed a concerning trend in the aftermath of bariatric surgery, a procedure commonly used for weight loss.
Conducted by David J.R. Morgan, M.B.B.S., and his team from St. John of God Subiaco Hospital in Perth, Australia, the study focused on the mental health of patients who underwent this surgery.
The findings suggest an increase in mental health issues post-surgery, challenging previous notions that weight loss through such procedures would improve mental well-being.
The study involved a longitudinal analysis of 24,766 patients who underwent bariatric surgery over a decade, from January 2007 to December 2016.
The researchers aimed to understand the correlation between bariatric surgery and the subsequent use of various mental health services, including outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and psychiatric hospitalization.
The results were revealing. About 16.1% of the patients sought mental health services post-surgery. Interestingly, 35.2% of these patients had only sought such services before surgery, 25.8% both before and after, and 39% only after the surgery.
This indicates a significant portion of patients experiencing mental health challenges exclusively after their surgical procedure.
Post-surgery, there was a notable increase in mental health service presentations. Outpatient clinic attendance, emergency department attendance, and psychiatric hospitalization all saw increased.
Alarmingly, presentations for deliberate self-harm in emergency departments increased fivefold after surgery.
Further, 9.6% of the deaths post-surgery were due to suicide, underscoring the severity of the mental health challenges faced by these patients.
The study identified two key factors associated with the likelihood of seeking mental health services post-surgery: complications requiring further surgical intervention and a history of mental health service usage prior to the surgery.
These findings challenge the commonly held belief that weight loss through bariatric surgery automatically leads to improvements in mental health.
While the physical benefits of such surgeries are well-documented, this study highlights the need for a more holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of mental health support both before and after bariatric surgery.
In summary, the research by Morgan and his team calls for a reevaluation of patient care strategies post-bariatric surgery.
It highlights the critical need for comprehensive mental health support for patients undergoing these procedures, acknowledging that the journey to recovery and well-being extends beyond physical health.
The study serves as an important reminder of the complex interplay between physical and mental health, especially in the context of major health interventions like bariatric surgery.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
The research findings can be found in JAMA Psychiatry.
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