Getting mind ready for surgery is as important as physical preparation

Published on

10/09/2026 - 7:08 GMT+2

Failing to address patients’ mental health before serious surgery could hinder their recovery, particularly among older patients, according to a new study published on Wednesday in JAMA Network Open.

“The stress of surgery can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms and affect patients’ recovery and overall health,” the study’s first author Joanna Abraham said in a press release.

The authors argue that pre-surgical care should include not only physical preparation but also mental preparation from trained mental health professionals – something that current perioperative care usually misses.