Preoperational anxiety

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Preoperational anxiety is a psychological condition that is often experienced by patients who are about to undergo a surgical procedure. This anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including fear, nervousness, and apprehension about the upcoming operation.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The causes of preoperational anxiety can vary widely from patient to patient. Some common causes include fear of the unknown, fear of pain, fear of anesthesia, and fear of potential complications or death. Other factors that can contribute to preoperational anxiety include a lack of understanding about the procedure, a lack of control over the situation, and previous negative experiences with surgery.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of preoperational anxiety can include restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite. Some patients may also experience physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nausea.

Management[edit | edit source]

Management of preoperational anxiety often involves a combination of education, reassurance, and sometimes medication. Patients should be provided with clear and accurate information about their procedure, including what to expect before, during, and after surgery. This can help to alleviate fears and uncertainties. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Preoperational anxiety Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD