Introduction: To assess the incidence of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in patients undergoing elective brain surgery.
Methods: A prospective cohort study of 36 patients undergoing elective brain surgery was examined. The incidence of development of PTSD symptoms was evaluated using a structured clinical interview (SCID) and a battery of standardized questionnaires (STAI-S, STAI-T, ASI-3, PTSS-10, ADS-K, BSSS) before surgery as well as 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. In addition the short form SF36 and EuroQOL-3D were completed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.
Results: 11 patients were male (30%); mean age was 52 years (range 23 -78 years). Most patients were married (61%). 13 patients (36%) had previous psychological treatment. PTSD symptoms were reported in 4 cases (11%) prior to surgery. At 1 and 3 months follow-up 7 (20%) and 5 patients (14%) still had PTSD symptoms, respectively.
Conclusions: Our results reveal that PTSD symptoms have a high incidence in patients before undergoing elective brain surgery. Further research is needed in order to determine the relevant incident triggering the PTSD symptoms. Psychological support is needed for patients suffering from PTSD symptoms as we could observe a stabilisation in the symptoms also at 3 months follow up.
Patient Care: By providing more data on the incidence of mental complication in patients undergoing brain surgery
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1) Describe the importance of identifying PTSD symptoms in patients undergoing brain surgery