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Is surgery a risk factor for separation anxiety in children?
Muhammet Emin Naldan1, Ali Karayagmurlu2, Elif Oral Ahıskalıoglu3
1Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, University of Health Sciences, Erzurum Education and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey. muhammetnaldan@gmail.com.
Postoperative anxiety symptoms, specifically separation anxiety disorder (SAD), were prevalent in children undergoing surgery. SAD increased significantly three months after surgery, correlating with hospitalization duration and parental education.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Child Psychology
- Anxiety Disorders
Background:
- Postoperative anxiety is a significant concern for children and their families.
- Understanding the prevalence and trajectory of anxiety symptoms after surgery is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of postoperative anxiety symptoms in children undergoing surgical procedures.
- To assess the incidence of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) at different postoperative time points.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 children (aged 6-12) undergoing surgery was studied.
- Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms were assessed using the K-SADS-PL based on DSM-IV criteria at presentation, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.
- Data on demographics, hospitalization duration, and parental education were collected.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of SAD diagnostic criteria increased from 6.6% at presentation to 21.6% at 1 month and 35.0% at 3 months postoperatively.
- Anxiety disorder symptoms were significantly higher at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05).
- SAD symptoms showed a significant positive correlation with the duration of hospitalization and parental education level.
Conclusions:
- Children undergoing surgery exhibit increased separation anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms postoperatively.
- Physicians should consider SAD in pediatric surgical patients, particularly with longer hospital stays and higher parental education.
- Persistent SAD post-surgery can lead to long-term psychological issues and reduced quality of life.
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