Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
08:17
Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
Anaesthesia type, gender and anxiety.
1School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Room 166, Mary Seacole Building, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT. m.mitchell@salford.ac.uk
Journal of Perioperative Practice
|April 17, 2013
Summary
Preoperative anxiety is high in UK day surgery patients, affecting 82%. General anesthesia patients and females reported greater anxiety, highlighting needs for targeted preoperative information and support.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Patient Care
- Anesthesia
- Psychological Impact of Surgery
Background:
- Elective day-case surgery is increasing in the UK.
- Patient preoperative anxiety is a significant concern.
- Opportunities to address patient fears are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify preoperative anxiety levels in UK day surgery patients.
- To identify factors associated with higher anxiety.
- To inform strategies for anxiety reduction.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 674 day surgery patients.
- Analysis of anxiety levels based on anesthesia type and patient demographics.
- Statistical comparison of anxiety between groups.
Main Results:
- 82% of surveyed patients experienced preoperative anxiety.
- Patients receiving general anesthesia reported higher anxiety than those under local anesthesia.
- Female patients exhibited greater anxiety compared to male patients.
Conclusions:
- General anesthesia patients may benefit from enhanced preoperative information.
- Gender-specific considerations for waiting times and anxiety management are warranted.
- Addressing patient anxiety is crucial for improving the day surgery experience.
Related Concept Videos
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
01:22Stages of General Anesthesia
Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.